Folate is essential to the synthesis of DNA and good folate stores prevent some birth defects.
Folate also helps lower homocysteine levels. Low dietary intake and blood levels of folate are implicated in increased risk of cancer and high intake and blood levels reduce the risk
- Water soluble vitamin
Member of the B complex
Anti-anaemia vitamin
Anti-anaemia factor for monkeys found in yeast and liver in 1935
Anti-anaemia factor for chicks isolated from liver and labelled Vit Bc
Growth factor for lactobacillus casei and streptococcus lactis found in spinach, both named folic acid
Dr Tom Spies demonstrated it cured anaemia of pregnancy
Converted by liver in presence of Vit c to folinic acid
Richest Food Sources
Dried brewers yeast
Soya flour
Wheat germ
Wheat bran
Fresh nuts
Pigs liver
Green leafy vegetables
Pulses (lentils, chickpeas, black turtle beans etc.)
Peeled citrus fruits
Eggs
Bananas
Cheese
Root vegetables
Potatoes
Stored in the liver
Unstable to oxygen at high temperatures but protected in the presence of Vit C
Leaches into cooking water
Overall losses of 45% can occur in processing and cooling of vegetables, fruits and dairy products
Function
Metabolism of RNA and DNA
Essential for protein synthesis
Formation of blood
Transmission of genetic codes (hereditary characteristics
Deficiency
Megal oblastic anaemia, where blood cells are large and uneven in size and shape with a shorter lifespan. Common in pregnancy
Deficiency symptoms
Weakness, fatigue, breathlessness, irritability, sleeplessness, forgetfulness and confusion
