Clinical Significance:
Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin of the B-complex group. Folate is essential to hematopoiesis. Megaloblastic anemia is almost always due to lack of either folic acid or vitamin B-12. Folate deficiency is commonly encountered as a result of dietary deficiency or increased demand for this vitamin.(e.g,: pregnancy). Folic acid acts as a coenzyme (with vitamin B-12 and vitamin C) in the breakdown (metabolism) of proteins and in the synthesis of new proteins. It is necessary for the production of red blood cells and the synthesis of DNA (which controls heredity), as well as tissue growth and cell function. It also increases the appetite and stimulates the formation of digestive acids. Also known as Vitamin B9; Pteroylglutamic acid. Synthetic folic acid supplements may be used in the treatment of disorders associated with folic acid deficiency, and may also be part of the recommended treatment for certain menstrual problems and leg ulcers.
Food sources
- beans and legumes
- citrus fruits and juices
- wheat bran and other whole grains
- dark green leafy vegetables
- poultry, pork, shellfish
- liver
