Role of vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies in carcinogenesis

Adv Exp Med Biol. 1986;206:313-30. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4613-1835-4_23.

Abstract

A significant body of experimental evidence supports the notion that a deficiency of either vitamin B12 or folic acid enhances the activity of various carcinogens. Unifying mechanisms are proposed to explain this cocarcinogenic role.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carcinogens*
  • Diet
  • Folic Acid / metabolism
  • Folic Acid Deficiency / complications*
  • Humans
  • Methionine / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Neoplasms, Experimental / etiology*
  • Neoplasms, Experimental / pathology
  • Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / complications*

Substances

  • Carcinogens
  • Folic Acid
  • Methionine