Review article

Folate and folic acid: current knowledge and gaps

Ivana Babić Božović orcid.org/0000-0002-6071-4430 ; Zavod za biologiju i medicinsku genetiku, Medicinski fakultet Sveučilišta u Rijeci, Rijeka
Jadranka Vraneković ; Zavod za biologiju i medicinsku genetiku, Medicinski fakultet Sveučilišta u Rijeci, Rijeka

Abstract

Folate is an essential vitamin that is required for DNA synthesis and homocysteine metabolism. Folic acid is the synthetic form of the vitamin that is used in dietary supplements and fortified foods. It has higher stability and bioavailability than dietary folates. The periconceptional use of folic acid has been recommended in the prevention of neural tube defect. However, it is unclear whether folic acid supplementation reduces the risk for other congenital anomalies and some chronic diseases, and what dose is safe and most effective for prevention, particulary in the presence of factors that interfere with folate metabolism.

Keywords

congenital anomalies; folate; folic acid deficiency; metabolism

Hrčak ID:

121864

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/121864

Publication date:

2.6.2014.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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