The News
Study: Folic acid doesn't prevent polyps
By CARLA K. JOHNSONAssociated Press Writer
CHICAGO (AP) -- High doses of folic acid do not prevent precancerous colon polyps in people prone to them and may actually increase the risk of developing the growths, a new study finds. It's the latest evidence that taking too many vitamins may be harmful. Last month, a study linked heavy vitamin use to fatal prostate cancer, and other research has shown beta-carotene pills can heighten smokers' risk of lung cancer. The results surprised scientists. Previous studies showed diets low in folic acid led to a higher risk of colon cancer.

The Research
Read the research behind this story in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).