Megadose - Folic acid

Oxidized folate is not only metabolically dead buyt may even be neurotoxic. For example, a patient with epilepsy who has not had a convulsion in years because dilantin has produced complete control, can be thrown into an immediate convulsion with a megadose of folic acid, because folic acid and dilantin compete for absorption at the brain cell surface, and too much oxidized folic acid will block the ability of the brain cell to take up dilantin, similar to the competition between dilantin and folic acid for uptake by the gutcell (22). 

Vitamin status also may be affected by drugs (Table 135-15). For example, sulfasalazine therapy has been noted to cause a decrease in folic acid, isoniazid therapy causes pyridoxine deficiency, and furosemide therapy may result in decreased thiamin concentrations. Furthermore, some drug therapy outcomes may be affected by vitamin intake. The ingestion of megadoses of folic acid may decrease methotrexate s therapeutic effect, whereas changes in an individual s usual vitamin K intake may cause variability in warfarin s anticoagulation effects. 

All things considered, then, folic acid (or one of its derivatives) should be further studied as an anticancer agent, especially as it has been listed as an inhibitor for the same enzymes inhibited by the usual cytotoxic chemo agents. It is a substance natural to the body, and not some mysterious chemical or questionable plant or animal extract. Effective dosage levels and the best method of administration would have to be determined and the side effects established. If most doctors are reluctant to give even B12 or B-complex shots, megadoses of folic acid may not be on the cards. As with other cancer treatment alternatives, the patient may have to look at avenues other than medical orthodoxy. 

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