Folate
From MEpedia, a crowd-sourced encyclopedia of ME and CFS science and history
Folate (Vitamin B9) is involved in the metabolism of nucleic acids (the building blocks of RNA and DNA and is important for the synthesis of red blood cells. It is also critical in methylation.
Its active form, tetrahydrofolate (THF) is involved in pyrimidine nucleotide synthesis and is important in pregnancy and infancy.
Deficiency[edit | edit source]
Deficiency of either folate or Vitamin B12 can lead to megaloblastic anema.
Deficiency is associated with increased blood homocysteine and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Folate is essential for brain development and function.
MTHFR mutation[edit | edit source]
The 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene influences the metabolism of folic acid, the synthetic form found in many supplements and fortified foods.
