Epithelial cell folate depletion occurs in neoplastic but not adjacent normal colon mucosa.

Background & Aims: Restricted folate supply is associated with the development of carcinoma, and folate supplements have a protective effect in colorectal carcinoma. This effect may be mediated through correction of local folate deficiency. The aim of this study was to define the folate content of neoplastic colonic epithelial cells and its relation to that of adjacent normal tissue and circulating levels.

Folate status of gastrointestinal epithelial cells is not predicted by serum and red cell folate values in replete subjects.

Localised folate deficiency has been implicated in colonic carcinogenesis and supplementation has been proposed for certain populations at risk. However, identifying those groups that may benefit is difficult as the relation between blood folate and gut epithelial cell values is unknown. The aim of this study was to define this relation.