Folates are complex molecules, of both plant and animal origin. From a chemical perspective, same backbone, with a side group(s) attached (a methyl group and one or more glutamate groups). Under the action of an enzyme, all except one glutamate are removed, and the monoglutamate can be absorbed into the intestinal cell. Once this is done, they are converted back into folates with multiple glutamate groups and a folate export group is taking the folate from the intestinal cell into the bloodstream. From here it is transported to the tissues and to the liver, as the folates are extensively used by the human cell, for amino acids conversion, production of blood cells, regulating the genes activity and synthesizing new DNA during cell division. The enzymes involved in these processes are targeted by several drugs, like the cancer chemotherapy drug methotrexate.
The active form in the body is tetrahydrofolate, required as coenzyme in numerous metabolic reactions. Folate coenzymes play a role in the metabolism of several aminoacids, methionine from homocysteine needs a folate coenzyme and vitamin B12, increased homocysteine being linked with Alzheimer and many other health problems. The folates are involved in the synthesis of DNA and RNA (molecules carrying genetic material and information in cells), very important for rapid growing cells like red blood ones. Folates are essential for normal cell division and growth, and they can prevent anaemia and neural tube defects in newborns. During pregnancy it is very important to take 400 mcg folic acid as supplement daily. Adequate intake of natural folates may prevent some forms of cancer, but high doses of folic acid may increase the risk of cancer in men. Elevated levels of homocysteine due to the lack of B vitamins can lead to the thickening of the arterial wall and blood clot formation.
Next post will be about folates deficiency and toxicity.
Yours truly,
George
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