Understanding Folic Acid
Filed Under Dr. Zoltan Rona (MD) |
Folic acid (folate) is a water soluble B complex vitamin which acts as a co-enzyme in the conversion of glucose to energy. It is important in the synthesis of the purines found in DNA (guanine, adenine, pyrimadine and thymine) and the formation and maturation of red and white blood cells. Deficiency can be caused by inadequate intake, malabsorption (e.g. celiac disease), exclusive ingestion of boiled foods, infant nutrition limited to goat?s milk or anti-folate drugs. Folic acid is the only vitamin whose requirement doubles in pregnancy (RDA adults: 400 mcg.; pregnancy: 800 mcg.; lactation: 400 mcg.).
DEFICIENCY EFFECTS
anemia (megaloblastic type)
neural tube defects
cleft palate
restless leg syndrome
abnormal pap tests (cervical dysplasia)
depression
increased bowel cancer risk in ulcerative colitis
BEST SOURCES
broccoli, brussels sprouts, romaine lettuce, spinach, black-eyed peas, brewer’s yeast, beets, wheat bran, spirulina, chlorella and blue green algae
FOLIC ACID DRUG ANTAGONISTS:
- phenytoin
- phenobarbital
- methotrexate
- sulfasalazine
- aminopterin
- aspirin
- cholestyramine
- colestipol
- oral contraceptives
TOXICITY
None known but rare folic acid supplement hypersensitivity reactions have been reported with oral doses of 1-10 mgs; although also rare, long term folic acid supplementation must be balanced with vitamin B12 levels to avoid folic acid induced B12 deficiency.
Dr. Rona
