Folates and Folic Acid Flashcards
What is folate?
Folate is a water-soluble B vitamin that is naturally present in some foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement. Folate, formerly known as folacin and sometimes vitamin B9, is the generic term for naturally occurring food folates AND folates in dietary supplements and fortified foods, including folic acid
What is the difference between folic acid and folate?
Folate occurs naturally in foods and refers to all types of vitamin B9, including folic acid.
Folic acid is a synthetic (man-made) form of B9 found in supplements and added to (fortified) foods.
folate vs. folic acid:
1. occurance
2. structure
3. bioavailability
4. source
5. clinical use
Folic acid structure
Folic acid species structures
Folate metabolism overview 1
Foltate metabolism overview 2
Is folic acid more stable than folate?
Folate found in foods easily breaks down when exposed to heat or light. Folic acid (synthetic; does not occur naturally) in supplements and fortified foods is more stable. This means your body can usually get more vitamin B9 from these sources compared to the amount you get from foods naturally containing folate
Why is folate required by the human body?
Folate is required for the body to:
1. make DNA and RNA
2. metabolize amino acids necessary for cell division and maturation of blood cells.
What is the primary function of folate coenzymes in the body?
The function of folate coenzymes in the body appears to be in mediating the transfer of one-carbon units. Folate coenzymes act as acceptors and donors of one-carbon units in a variety of reactions critical to the metabolism of nucleic acids and amino acids.
What is the difference between a cofactor and a coenzyme?
What are vitamins?
Vitamins have diverse biochemical functions. Vitamin A acts as a regulator of cell and tissue growth and differentiation.
Vitamin D provides a hormone-like function, regulating mineral metabolism for bones and other organs.
The B complex vitamins function as enzyme cofactors (coenzymes) or the precursors for them. Vitamins C and E function as antioxidants
What is the role of folate coenzymes in one carbon metabolism?
The only function of folate coenzymes in the body appears to be in mediating the transfer of one-carbon units. Folate coenzymes act as acceptors and donors of one-carbon units in a variety of reactions critical to the metabolism of nucleic acids and amino acids.
What is the role of folate coenzymes in DNA metabolism?
Folate coenzymes play a vital role in DNA metabolism through 2 different pathways (Fig. 2.1):
1. The synthesis of DNA from its precursors (thymidine and purines) is dependent on folate coenzymes.
2. A folate coenzyme is required for the synthesis of methionine. Methionine is required for the synthesis of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM).
