Abstract
Folic acid, referred to as vitamin B9, is a water-soluble substance, which participates in the synthesis of nucleic acids, amino acids, and proteins. Similarly to B12 and B6, vitamin B9 is involved in the metabolism of homocysteine, which is associated with the MTHFR gene. The human body is not able to synthesize folic acid; thus, it must be supplemented with diet. The most common consequence of folic acid deficiency is anemia; however, some studies have also demonstrated the correlation between low bone mineral density, hyperhomocysteinemia, and folic acid deficiency. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) frequently suffer from malabsorption and avoid certain products, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, which constitute the main sources of vitamin B9. Additionally, the use of sulfasalazine by patients may result in folic acid deficiency. Therefore, IBD patients present a higher risk of folic acid deficiency and require particular supervision with regard to anemia and osteoporosis prevention, which are common consequences of IBD.
Highlights
Folic acid (FA), known as vitamin B9, is a fully oxidated synthetic form of pteroylglutamic acid monoglutamate and a water-soluble vitamin, whose name originates from theLatin “folium” meaning “leaf.” Naturally occurring folic acid has a reduced form, referred to as folate [1,2]
Since the human body is unable to produce vitamin B9 by itself, it must either be derived from a traditional or fortified diet, as the human intestinal microbiome is capable of synthesizing it [3], or by means of potential supplementation. This vitamin is essential for the growth of new cells and remethylation of homocysteine (Hcy), which is vital for the process of nucleotide synthesis [4], while appropriate vitamin B9 intake during pregnancy is a preventive factor of neural tube defects (NTDs) in gastrulation [5]
Folic acid is a water-soluble group B vitamin, and its deficiency may lead to clinical complications, especially among patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Summary
Folic acid (FA), known as vitamin B9, is a fully oxidated synthetic form of pteroylglutamic acid monoglutamate and a water-soluble vitamin, whose name originates from the. Since the human body is unable to produce vitamin B9 by itself, it must either be derived from a traditional or fortified diet, as the human intestinal microbiome is capable of synthesizing it [3], or by means of potential supplementation. This vitamin is essential for the growth of new cells and remethylation of homocysteine (Hcy), which is vital for the process of nucleotide synthesis [4], while appropriate vitamin B9 intake during pregnancy is a preventive factor of neural tube defects (NTDs) in gastrulation [5]. Genetic factors are known to affect the FA concentration [7]
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