Surprising
In people with the MTHFR TT genotype, high folate intake was linked to 32% lower odds of colorectal cancer (OR 0.68) — a surprising twist given the variant's reputation for impairing folate metabolism.
This meta-analysis suggests that the relationship between folate and colorectal cancer risk may depend on genetics, but the finding is preliminary — it's among the first to examine this specific pairing, so replication is needed before drawing firm conclusions.
A meta-analysis found that people with a common genetic variant (MTHFR 677TT) who consumed high amounts of folate had 32% lower odds of colorectal cancer compared to those with the same genotype but lower folate intake. This is counterintuitive because the TT variant typically makes the body less efficient at processing folate. However, the study didn't specify the dose of folate, and the evidence is still early, so the result should be interpreted cautiously.
Where this fits in the evidence
This is among the first studies we've indexed on Vitamin B9 for Reduced Risk of Colorectal Cancer — treat it as an early signal until more research accumulates.
The study
- Meta-Analysis
- 2025-01-29
- BMC cancer
This is a plain-language summary of a research finding, not medical advice. Pillser surfaces research signals to help you decide what's worth investigating — always consult a qualified professional before changing what you take.