Taking a daily supplement of Folic Acid could protect women against the detrimental effects of a high alcohol intake, US researchers claim. Their study, which included data on more than 80,000 women, showed that the increased risk of major chronic disease associated with heavy drinking was largely diminished among those with a daily folate intake above 300mg. ¹

The recommended daily Folic Acid intake for UK adults is 400mg. Daily dietary supplementation with Cantassium Micro Vitamins Folic Acid™ 400mg one-a-day, will ensure vital nutrition for optimal health as folate levels of green vegetables, eg broccoli and spinach, are greatly diminished during the cooking process.²

US researchers based their 16-year study on women who had no previous history of cardiovascular disease or cancer, between the ages of 34 and 59 years. They investigated the association between alcohol and folate (Folic Acid) intake and the risk of fatal or non-fatal cardiovascular disease or cancer, or other non-traumatic death.¹ Non-drinkers with a daily folate intake of 400-599mg acted as a control group. The scientists discovered that women who drank more than 30g of alcohol a day, equivalent to 3.75 units, and who had a daily folate intake below 180mg, were just over a third more likely to develop serious chronic disease compared to the women in the control group.¹

However, the risk of chronic disease for heavy drinkers with a folate intake of 300mg or more was no different to that of the control group. The researches concluded that folate might be important in primary prevention of major chronic disease in women, especially among those below the age of 60 who have more that two alcoholic drinks a day.¹

Notes to Editors:
1. Dept. of Nutr, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston. Joint Association of alcohol and folate intake with risk of major chronic disease in women. Am J Epidemiol. 2003 Oct 15:158(8):760-71.
2. Sanderson P, McNulty H, Mastroiacovo P, et al. Folate bioavailability: UK Food Standards Agency workshop report. Br J Nutr. 90, 473-479.

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