Folate, an important cellular methyl donor, exists as functionally diverse species within cells. Folate deficiency is thought to contribute to DNA hypomethylation in colorectal cancer (CRC) however findings on the relationship between total folate concentration and global DNA methylation have been inconsistent. The aim of this study was to determine if global DNA methylation in blood and colorectal mucosa from healthy and CRC patients is related to folate species distribution. Blood and colorectal mucosa was collected from 112 CRC patients, 114 healthy individuals and 82 low folate individuals. Global methylation and folate was determined using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and repeat element methylation was determined using end-specific polymerase chain reaction. In colorectal mucosa mean global methylation was 8% lower compared to blood while LINE-1 and Alu elements were 3.3-fold and 1.9-fold hypomethylated respectively (P Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3125. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3125