Health and Fitness Hints

Folate or Vitamin B9 is part of the B-complex vitamin group and a water soluble vitamin. The term Folate is the preferred term to day as it encompasses the various forms of the vitamin available in foods. It was known earlier as folic acid or folacin. Only a very small number of food forms are in folic acid configuration, the vitamin supplements and the form in fortified foods. Folate consists of tree parts: pteridine, para-aminobenzoic acid and one or more glutamate molecules.

Folate functions as a coenzyme, together with vitamin B12 and vitamin C in the breakdown and protein utilization. Its basic role is its participation in metabolic reactions in accepting and donating single carbon groups for the synthesis of DNA. It is also needed for the growth and reproductions of all body cells, production of hydrochloric acid, support of the liver and prevent food poisoning and intestinal parasites.
Another very important function of folate are its role together with vitamin B12 and B6 in keeping homocystein concentrations in the blood under control and so improve health of the heart by reducing blood vessel injury.

Folate-Vitamin B9 Requirements

Deficiency of folate results from low intake, increased requirements; in pregnancy, alcoholism, pure utilization due to B12 deficiency, excessive excretion. Deficiency of the vitamin will result in poor growth, gastrointestinal disturbances, megaloblastic anemia and neural tube defects; during fetal development metabolic interference of folate leads to defects such as cleft palate, brain damage, spina bifida, premature birth and megaloblastic anemia after birth to both mother and child.

The biological availability of folate varies with the source of the vitamin. The recommended daily amount for folate is 400?g/day for adults and 600-800?g/day in pregnancy. The most nutrient-dense sources of folate are spinach, asparagus, broccoli, sunflower seeds and cauliflower, Folate may be helpful for the treatment of macrocytic or megaloblastic anemia, glossitis, diarrhea, menstrual problems, atherosclerosis, and graying of hair

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