The Importance of Folic Acid
July 22, 2009
There are variety of various chemical reactions, which are taking place and are important to the Metabolism. Folic acid plays a vital role in such reactions by acting as a coenzyme. These reactions include DNA metabolism and also the metabolism of a few mission critical amino acids.
Vitamin B12 is very much involved in the creation of an amino acid called methionine from homocysteine. When there is a deficiency of the B vitamins, which is an essential requirement in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine, then an excess of homocysteine is present, which will increase the risk associated with heart diseases.
The essential requirements in the production of white and red blood cells are the Folates. As a matter of fact, folate deficiency leads to a condition known as macrocytic anemia, which results in the production of abnormally large red blood cells.
The oxygen carrying ability of the red blood cells is affected, thus leading to symptoms like tiredness, weakness, and shortage of breath. Macrocytic anemia results from either vitamin B12 or folate deficiency and the cause needs to be known if it is to be treated. High blood levels of homocysteine are another sign of folate deficiency.
Folates are found in food items mostly comprising of leafy greens and liver and is synthesized in the gastrointestinal tract. Cancer and pregnancy lead to the extra requirements of folates and alcoholism may provide problems in the easy absorption of folate.
Greater cell activity is involved in both healthy and non-healthy conditions such as pregnancy where new life is formed and in the case of cancer where greater than normal cell division takes place.
It is very important to understand the difference between folates and folic acid when recommended daily allowances are being looked upon. Folates refer to the form of this vitamin, which is found in the body or in food whereas folic acid refers to this form of vitamin, which is found in supplements and fortified food.
The differences in terminology arise from the fact folic acid is less available to the folates when compared to the human body. So 1 mcg folate is equivalent to 1 mcg Dietary Folate Equivalent (DFE); 1 mcg folic acid as a supplement on an empty stomach (which is not recommended) is equivalent to 2 mcg DFE and 1 mcg folic acid with meals or as fortified food equals 1.7 mcg DFE. 400 mcg DFE per day is the RDA for adults. More information can be obtained and is available in the Linus Pauling Institute on Folic acid.
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