Folate/folic acid Flashcards
What is folate?
It is a natural form of folic acid found in food
What is folic acid?
A synthetic form of folate which is used to make supplements
List the properties of folate/folic acid
7
Water-soluble
Insoluble in fate
Unaffected by acids
Heat stable but some loss from cooking
Destroyed by alkalis
Destroyed by oxygen
Destroyed by light
What destroys folate/folic acid?
4
Alkalis
Oxygen
Light
High temperatures used in cooking
List the sources of folate/folic acid
Leafy green vegetables
Offal
Fortified breakfast cereals
Wholemeal bread
Wheat germ
List an alternative source of folate/folic acid other than food
Supplements should be taken by pregnant women daily
They should be taken 12 weeks prior to conception and 12 weeks after
List the functions of folate/folic acid
5
Form the bran of a foetus and close the end of the spinal cord
Metabolises protein
Works with cobalamin to form red blood cells
Maintains the immune system by helping white blood cells to fight infection
Manufactures genetic material e.g. DNA and RNA during pregnancy
List the effects of deficiency of folate/folic acid
4
Spina bifida
Anencephaly
Fatigue
Susceptibility to illness and infection
What is spina bifida?
2
A neural tube defect which occurs when the base of the spinal fails to close
Causes paralysis of the lower limbs
What is anencephaly?
2
A neural tube defects which occurs when the top of the spine fails to close and the brain, skull and scalp do not develop
Baby rarely survives
A lack of folate/folic acid results in fatigue, describe this deficiency
(2)
Due to a lack of red blood cells one may feel tired or fatigued
This may also cause anaemia in severe cases
What is the RI for children?
100-200 micrograms
What is the RI for adolescents and adults?
300 micrograms
What is the RI for pregnant women?
500 micrograms
What is the RI for lactating women?
400 micrograms
