Question

Which acid prevents the spreading of cancer cells?
A.Acetic acid
B.Folic acid
C.Formic acid
D.Malic acid

Answer 1

Hint: Foods that are rich in folic acid help to make blood cells healthy, which is important for carrying oxygen around the body. They prevent the spreading of cancer cells as their deficiency can result in DNA damage. If folic acid is present in your body in a sufficient amount then it can prevent DNA damage resulting in preventing cancer.

Complete answer:
The spreading of cancer cells is known as metastasis. Cancer cells spread in various parts of the body causing cancer. Initially, these cells are in the form of a tumor. If the tumor is benign then it will not be cancerous but if the tumor is malignant it will grow rapidly, invade other parts of the body and destroy the normal tissues resulting in metastasis of the cells that are spreading throughout the body.
According to case-control studies and international comparisons, a higher intake of folic acid-rich foods such as whole grains, vegetables, and legumes can lower the incidence of carcinomas. In experimental studies, deficiency of folic acid is associated with causing damage to DNA that resembles the damage done to DNA by cancer cells. This DNA damage can result in the initiation of cancer. The requirement for folic acid in DNA synthesis and DNA methylation provides a plausible mechanism for a mutagenic effect of a low-folate diet. Folic acid is a vitamin B found in many supplements and fortified foods. It helps to make healthy blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body. Therefore the acid that prevents the spreading of cancer cells is folic acid.
Hence the correct option is B.

Note:
There is a complex relationship between folic acid and cancer. It is suggested that too much or too little amount of folic acid may contribute to cancer. However if taken in required and sufficient amounts it can prevent the spreading of these cells and can reduce the risk of developing skin cancer, melanoma. Folic acid is the supplemental form of folate. Eating foods high in folate is an important part of a healthy diet. Sufficient intake of folate through folic acid supplementation also may reduce the risk of stroke, and heart and kidney disease in adults.