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Manufactured folic acid, which is converted into folate by the body, is used as a dietary supplement and in food fortification as it is more stable during processing and storage. [7] Folate is required for the body to make DNA and RNA and metabolise amino acids necessary for cell division and maturation of blood cells.
A deficiency of folate can occur when the body's need for folate is increased, when dietary intake or absorption of folate is inadequate, or when the body excretes (or loses) more folate than usual. Medications that interfere with the body's ability to use folate may also increase the need for this vitamin.
Folate acts as a co-enzyme in the form of tetrahydrofolate (THF), which is involved in the transfer of single-carbon units in the metabolism of nucleic acids and amino acids. THF is involved in purine and pyrimidine nucleotide synthesis, so is needed for normal cell division, especially during pregnancy and infancy, which are times of rapid growth.
The proton-coupled folate transporter is a protein that in humans is encoded by the SLC46A1 gene. [ 5 ] [ 6 ] [ 7 ] The major physiological roles of PCFTs are in mediating the intestinal absorption of folate (Vitamin B9), and its delivery to the central nervous system .
The Schilling test has multiple stages. [3] As noted below, it can be done at any time after vitamin B 12 supplementation and body store replacement, and some clinicians recommend that in severe deficiency cases, at least several weeks of vitamin repletion be done before the test (more than one B 12 shot, and also oral folic acid), in order to ensure that impaired absorption of B 12 (with or ...
Megaloblastic anemia, the most common cause of macrocytic anemia, is due to a deficiency of either vitamin B 12, folic acid, or both. [81] Deficiency in folate or vitamin B 12 can be due either to inadequate intake or insufficient absorption. Folate deficiency normally does not produce neurological symptoms, while B 12 deficiency does.
Folic acid, chemically described as pteroylmonoglutamic acid, is another vitamer of vitamin B 9. Though rarely found in minimally processed foods, it is the primary form of vitamin B 9 added to fortified foods and many dietary supplements. [3] Folic acid and food folates are absorbed and metabolized by different pathways.
The complex consists of: thiamine (B 1), riboflavin (B 2), niacin (B 3), pantothenic acid (B 5), pyridoxin (B 6), folic acid (B 9), cobalamin (B 12), and biotin. [18] B vitamins are not synthesized in the body, and thus need to be obtained from food. B-complex vitamins are water-soluble vitamins, which means that they are not stored within the ...