folate

What is it?

Folate is a general name used for the water-soluble B-complex vitamin. It includes folate, which occurs naturally in food, and folic acid, which is the synthetic form of the vitamin and is used in vitamin supplements and fortified foods.  Folate gets its name from the Latin word “folium” for leaf, which relates to the vitamins occurrence in dark green leafy vegetables.

Functions - what does it do?

DNA and RNA Synthesis

Folate is necessary for the formation of the essential building blocks of DNA and RNA. DNA and RNA are involved in cell division, when a cell divides and forms 2 new identical copies, and in the transmission of genes. As folate is necessary for the production and maintenance of new cells it especially important during periods of rapid cell division and growth such as infancy and to make fetal tissues and organs early in pregnancy.

Formation of Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes)

Folate is essential for the formation of both red blood cells (erythrocytes) and white blood cells in the bone marrow, and for their development. Folate deficiency greatly affects red blood cell formation.

Amino acids

Folate functions as an co-enzyme in many of the reactions during the metabolism of amino acids. 

Erythrocytes  are mature red blood cells. These have no nucleus and a life span of 120 days. Contains haemoglobin, which carries oxygen and carbon dioxide

Requirements - How much do we need?

Sources - Where is it found?

Deficiency - When you have too little

Deficiency in folate results in poor growth, megaloblastic anaemia (and other blood disorders), glossitis (inflammation of the tongue), and increased levels of homocysteine (an amino-acid which could increase one's risk for heart disease)

Neural Tube Defect (NTDs)

Neural tube defects are birth defects that develop very early in pregnancy, between the 17th and 28th day after conception. This is generally before a woman knows she is pregnant. During this critical time of pregnancy, the proper formation and closure of the neural tube, which later becomes the spinal cord, brain, and bone surrounding the spinal cord and brain, normally takes place. A neural tube defect occurs when the neural tube fails to close properly.

A maternal deficiency of folate and a genetic predisposition have been linked to the development of birth defects, such as neural tube defects.

The most common neural tube defects include: -

• spina bifida :- the lower part of the neural tube, which develops into the spinal cord and the bones that enclose them, does not close properly, leaving the spinal cord exposed or covered only with skin

• anencephaly :- a fatal condition in which the upper end of the neural tube does not close and the brain fails to completely develop or is entirely absent

Other possible complications in pregnancy. Limited evidence in humans suggest that deficiency of folate may be associated with spontaneous abortion and other complications during pregnancy such as preterm labour and low birth weight (LBW).

Anaemia

A deficiency in folate prevents the immature red blood cells from dividing in the early phases of cell synthesis. The cells then become progressively larger because they continue to make protein and other cell components. However the cells produce insufficient DNA to form two nuclei, due to the folate deficiency, and as a result the cell cannot divide. 

They then remain as large immature cells, called megaloblasts. Fewer mature red blood cells (erythrocytes) enter the bloodstream, which decreases the blood’s oxygen carrying capacity, causing an anaemia called megaloblastic anaemia. Megaloblasts can develop into abnormally large red blood cells called macrocytes.

White cell formation and cell division throughout the body is disrupted, but to a lesser degree.

Toxicity - When you have too much

No toxicity from folate has been reported in adults with daily doses as high as 15 mg. Although not toxic to adults, at these high levels, the effects on the fetus is unknown. The safest during pregnancy is to avoid intakes greater than 2 1/2 times the RDA.