Thank you to Healing Points reader Mary for this valuable piece of information.
Dear Dr. Grossman,
I recently read the article you posted about alcohol and breast cancer
in women. Did you know that research has been done that demonstrated
that if folic acid was taken daily, alcohol was not a problem.
Apparently some enzyme in the liver is unable to break down estrogen
metabolites when alcohol is ingested but folic acid makes it possible
for the liver to do this. It was found that women who took folic acid
and drank alcohol were at the same risk for breast cancer as women who
did not drink. Since some women refuse to give up their nightly glass of
wine, etc. this information might be important to pass along. I am
nurse and teacher and always mention this when giving a class on
substance abuse.
I enjoy your web site and blog. Mary
