Folic acid

Question 1

What is the primary biochemical role of folic acid?

Answer 1

Folic acid is required for amino acid metabolism and nucleic acid synthesis.

Question 2

What are common signs of folic acid deficiency?

Answer 2

Megaloblastic or macrocytic anemia.

Question 3

What conditions can lead to folic acid deficiency?

Answer 3

1. Pregnant women are at greater risk for folic acid deficiency secondary to increased demand for DNA synthesis for embryonic development.
2. Chronic alcoholism because of the decreased dietary folate intake and negative effects of alcohol on folate absorption and hepatobiliary metabolism.
3. Zinc and Vit B 12 deficiency.
4. Medication which could change the luminal jejunal pH and affect folic acid absorption and metabolism e.g phenytoin (dilantin), cholestyramine etc.

Question 4

Why can a Vit B 12 deficiency result in a folic acid deficiency?

Answer 4

Intracellularly a Vit B12 dependent enzyme is need to convert N5 methyl THF (tetrahydrofolic acid) to its active folate coenzyme form (a polyglutamate form).

Question 5

How could impair bile secretion contribute to folic acid deficiency?

Answer 5

Dietary folate is reabsorbed via enterohepatic circulation, so impaired bile secretion may limit folate recirculation.

Question 6

what the good sources of Folic acid? what are the DRI?

Answer 6

Dark green leafy vegetables, fortified cereals and cereal grains.
b) 400mcg for all groups both male/female.