What is Folate Requirement?

Folic acid (also known as folate or vitamin B9) is an essential nutrient from the B complex group of vitamins. Folate plays an important role in synthesis, repair and methylation of DNA, production of healthy red blood cell, cell division, as well as mental and emotional health.

Folate is especially needed during pregnancy and infancy, to reduce the risk of birth defects of the brain and spine. Folic acid deficiency is often associated with elevated levels of homocysteine, a naturally occuring amino acid produced using methylation process.

How It Affects Your Body

Folate plays an important role in the synthesis, repair, and methylation of DNA, production of healthy red blood cells, cell division, as well as mental and emotional health. Folate is especially needed during pregnancy and infancy, to reduce the risk of birth defects of the brain and spine. Folic acid deficiency is often associated with elevated levels of homocysteine which increases the risk of artery damage and coronary artery disease.

Symptoms

Alcohol

Chronic alcohol consumption has been shown to decrease folate absorption and increase folate excretion. This can contribute to low serum folate levels.

Diet

A diet low in leafy green vegetables, beans, citruses, and meat can contribute to low serum folate levels.

Pregnant / Breastfeeding

Serum folate is rapidly utilized due to fetal growth and during breastfeeding. This increases the risk of folate deficiency.

Dialysis

Studies have shown dialysis depletes serum folate levels by up to 37%.

Medication

Diabetic individuals who take metformin may have decreased folate absorption - which increases the risk of folate deficiency.