Folic Acid (Vitamin M)

Folic acid is composed of three parts: pteridine, para-aminobenzoic acid, and glutamic acid. The pteridine part is connected to para-aminobenzoic acid through a methylene bridge, and glutamic acid is linked to para-aminobenzoic acid through a peptide bond. This structure endows folic acid with unique functions to participate in various biochemical reactions in the body.

Physiological Functions

• Participation in DNA Synthesis and Repair: In the body, folic acid exists in the form of tetrahydrofolic acid and acts as a carrier of one-carbon units, participating in the synthesis of purines and pyrimidines, which are the basic building blocks of DNA. Therefore, folic acid is crucial for DNA synthesis and repair during cell division and proliferation.
• Participation in Amino Acid Metabolism: Folic acid is involved in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine. This process is very important for maintaining the normal balance of amino acid metabolism. An elevated level of homocysteine is associated with an increased risk of various diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and neurological diseases. Folic acid plays a preventive role in these diseases by reducing the level of homocysteine.
• Role in the Development of the Nervous System: In the early stage of embryonic development, folic acid plays a key role in the closure of the neural tube and the normal development of the nervous system. A deficiency of folic acid may lead to neural tube defects in the fetus, such as spina bifida and anencephaly.

Sources and Intake

• Food Sources: Folic acid is widely present in various foods. Green leafy vegetables (such as spinach, broccoli, lettuce, etc.), legumes, whole grain products, animal livers, fruits, etc. are all good sources of folic acid.
• Recommended Intake: The folic acid requirements vary among different populations. The recommended intake for the general adult population is 400 micrograms per day. For pregnant and lactating women, due to the need to meet the growth and development of the fetus and the secretion of breast milk, the recommended intake is increased to 600 - 800 micrograms per day. The recommended intake for children and adolescents varies according to age, generally ranging from 200 - 400 micrograms.

Application Fields

• Medical Field: As a drug, folic acid is commonly used to prevent and treat folic acid deficiency, megaloblastic anemia, and other diseases. In addition, for pregnant women with a history of giving birth to a child with neural tube defects or a family history of such defects, as well as patients with hyperhomocysteinemia, doctors will also recommend folic acid supplementation for prevention and treatment.
• Nutritional Supplement Field: Folic acid is often added to various nutritional supplements, such as multivitamin tablets and special nutrients for pregnant women, to meet the additional folic acid needs of specific populations.
• Food Fortification Field: To prevent folic acid deficiency in the population, many countries and regions fortify foods such as flour, rice, and grains with folic acid to increase the folic acid intake of the population and reduce the incidence of diseases related to folic acid deficiency.