FOLATE (Vitamin B9)
Main Characteristics
• It is a water-soluble vitamin
like all the others in the B complex.
• Vitamin B9, known as folic
acid, works in synergy with vitamin B12 and participates in the synthesis of
DNA and RNA.
• Folate is converted into
tetrahydrofolic acid; this reaction is dependent on niacin and vitamin C.
• Enzymatic defects, liver
diseases, malabsorption and digestion syndromes cause impairment in the
activation of folate in active enzymes in the body.
• Vitamin B9 deficiency causes
the interruption of DNA metabolism, generating abnormalities in cellular
development, especially in red blood cells, leukocytes, stomach cells,
intestines, vagina and cervix.
Main Functions and Mechanisms of
Action
• Prevention of neural tube
malformation: maternal folate deficiency influences the formation of the fetus;
this effect may be related to homocysteine metabolism.
• Regulation of homocysteine
and prevention of cardiovascular diseases: Vitamin B9, together with vitamin
B12, helps control homocysteine levels, reducing the risk of cardiovascular
disease.
• Prevention of anemia and
changes in cognitive function: Low levels of folate in the body, together with
B12 deficiency, cause macrocytic anemia and also impair cognitive function.
• Reduction in the risk of
developing cancer: Folate participates in DNA methylation and the synthesis of
purines and pyrimidines.
• Prevention of neurodegenerative
diseases: Folate deficiency in the body causes an increase in homocysteine,
which is linked to the onset of diseases such as depression, psychosis,
peripheral neuropathy, among others.
• Prevention of osteoporosis:
High levels of homocysteine appear to interfere with collagen bonds,
generating a defective bone matrix.
Bioavailability
• The process of converting
folate into active enzymatic forms is quite complex and depends on the status
of vitamins B2, B3, B6, C, as well as zinc and serine.
• It is important to emphasize
that folate absorption is dependent on an enzyme called zinc-dependent
metalloenzyme and a deficiency of this mineral can impair folate absorption.
• Vitamin B9 absorption depends
on an optimal gastric pH, and the presence of ascorbic acid generates a
protective effect, as it helps to maintain folate in a functional state.
Potent Interactions
• Some drugs such as oral
contraceptives, diuretics, anticonvulsants, anti-inflammatory drugs,
antibiotics, aspirin, antacids, and alcohol deplete folate levels in the body.
Interaction between Nutrients
• There is a negative interaction
between folic acid and zinc, so in high doses of vitamin B9 there is excretion
of zinc, causing deficiency of this mineral, and vice versa.
• As with all other B vitamins,
it is important to supplement folic acid together with the other vitamins in
the complex.
Genetic factors
It is recommended that women with MTHFR gene polymorphism take a folate supplement (methylfolate or folinic acid), which should be taken at least 1 month before possible conception and during pregnancy should be continued until the third month, discontinuing it after 12 weeks.
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