July 6/Philadelphia/Gastroenterology-- A new study has found that food and dietary supplements rich in folates appeared to reduce colorectal cancer risk, according to a release by the American Gastroenterological Association.

The new study, in the AGA's journal, Gastroenterology, separately assessed natural folates and folic acid, unlike previous studies, and found that both forms can reduce colon cancer.

The study also found that intake of high levels of folate, due to increased use of folate-containing supplements and mandatory folate-fortification of food, did not heighten the risk of cancer, which had been a concern.

From the July 7, 2011, Prepared Foods' Daily News.