folic acid (redirected from folic acid analog)

Folic Acid 

Definition

Folic acid is a water-soluable vitamin belonging to the B-complex group of vitamins. These vitamins help the body break down complex carbohydrates into simple sugars to be used for energy. Excess B vitamins are excreted from the body rather than stored for later use. This is why sufficient daily intake of folic acid is necessary.

Description

Folic acid is also known as folate, or folacin. It is one of the nutrients most often found to be deficient in the Western diet, and there is evidence that deficiency is a problem on a worldwide scale. Folic acid is found in leafy green vegetables, beans, peas and lentils, liver, beets, brussel sprouts, poultry, nutritional yeast, tuna, wheat germ, mushrooms, oranges, asparagus, broccoli, spinach, bananas, strawberries, and cantaloupes. In 1998, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required food manufacturers to add folic acid to enriched bread and grain products to boost intake and to help prevent neural tube defects (NTD).

Purpose

Folic acid works together with vitamin B₁₂ and vitamin C to metabolize protein in the body. It is important for the formation of red and white blood cells. It is necessary for the proper differentiation and growth of cells and for the development of the fetus. It is also used to form the nucleic acid of DNA and RNA. It increases the appetite and stimulates the production of stomach acid for digestion and it aids in maintaining a healthy liver. A deficiency of folic acid may lead to anemia, in which there is decreased production of red blood cells. This reduces the amounts of oxygen and nutrients that are able to get to the tissues. Symptoms may include fatigue, reduced secretion of digestive acids, confusion, and forgetfulness. During pregnancy, a folic acid deficiency may lead to preeclampsia, premature birth, and increased bleeding after birth.

People who are at high risk of strokes and heart disease may greatly benefit by taking folic acid supplements. An elevated blood level of the amino acid homocysteine has been identified as a risk factor for some of these diseases. High levels of homocysteine have also been found to contribute to problems with osteoporosis. Folic acid, together with vitamins B₆ and B₁₂, helps break down homocysteine, and may help reverse the problems associated with elevated levels.

Pregnant women have an increased need for folic acid, both for themselves and their child. Folic acid is necessary for the proper growth and development of the fetus. Adequate intake of folic acid is vital for the prevention of several types of birth defects, particularly NTDs. The neural tube of the embryo develops into the brain, spinal cord, spinal column, and the skull. If this tube forms incompletely during the first few months of pregnancy a serious, and often fatal, defect results in spina bifida or anencephaly. Folic acid, taken from one year to one month before conception through the first four months of pregnancy, can reduce the risk of NTDs by 50-70%. It also helps prevent a cleft lip and palate.

Research shows that folic acid can be used to successfully treat cervical dysplasia, a condition diagnosed by a Pap smear, of having abnormal cells in the cervix. This condition is considered to be a possible precursor to cervical cancer, and is diagnosed as an abnormal Pap smear. Daily consumption of 1,000 mcg of folic acid for three or more months has resulted in improved cervical cells upon repeat Pap smears.

Studies suggest that long-term use of folic acid supplements may also help prevent lung and colon cancer. Researchers have also found that alcoholics who have low folic acid levels face a greatly increased possibility of developing colon cancer.

Preparations

To correct a folic acid deficiency, supplements are taken in addition to food. Since the functioning of the B vitamins is interrelated, it is generally recommended that the appropriate dose of B-complex vitamins be taken in place of single B vitamin supplements. The Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for folate is 400 mcg per day for adults, 600 mcg per day for pregnant women, and 500 mcg for nursing women. Medicinal dosages of up to 1,000-2,000 mcg per day may be prescribed.

Precautions

Folic acid is not stable. It is easily destroyed by exposure to light, air, water, and cooking. Therefore, the supplement should be stored in a dark container in a cold, dry place, such as a refrigerator. Many medications interfere with the body's absorption and use of folic acid. This includes sulfa drugs, sleeping pills, estrogen, anti-convulsants, birth control pills, antacids, quinine, and some antibiotics. Using large amounts of folic acid (e.g., over 5,000 mcg per day) can mask a vitamin B₁₂ deficiency and thereby risk of irreversible nerve damage.

Side effects

At levels of 5,000 mcg or less, folic acid is generally safe for use. Side effects are uncommon. However, large doses may cause nausea, decreased appetite, bloating, gas, decreased ability to concentrate, and insomnia. Large doses may also decrease the effects of phenytoin (Dilantin), a seizure medication.

Interactions

As with all B-complex vitamins, it is best to take folic acid with the other B vitamins. Vitamin C is important to the absorption and functioning of folic acid in the body.

Resources

Organizations

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 1600 Clifton Rd., NE, Atlanta, GA 30333. (800) 311-3435, (404) 639-3311. http://www.cdc.gov.

Other

Adams, Suzanne L. The Art of Cytology: Folic Acid/ B-12 Deficiency. suzann@concetric.net. 〈http://www.concentric.net/∼Suza2/page22.htm〉.

"Folic Acid: Coming to A Grocery Store Near You." 〈http://www.mayohealth.org/mayo/9710/htm/folic.htm〉.

"Folic Acid." http://www.cybervitamins.com/folicacid.htm.

"Folic acid (oral/injectible)." Dr. Koop.com.Inc. 700 N. Mopac, Suite 400, Austin, TX 48731. 〈http://www.drkoop.com/hcr/drugstore/pharmacy/leaflets/english/d00241a1.asp〉.

Pregnancy and Nutrition Update. 〈http://www.mayohealth.org/mayo/9601/htm/pregvit.htm〉.

Key terms

Homocysteine — An amino aid involved in the breakdown and absorption of protein in the body.

Preeclampsia — A serious disorder of late pregnancy in which the blood pressure rises, there is a large amount of retained fluids, and the kidneys become less effective and excrete proteins directly into the urine.

Raynaud's disease — A symptom of various underlying conditions affecting blood circulation in the fingers and toes and causing them to be sensitive to cold.

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) — Guidelines for the amounts of vitamins and minerals necessary for proper health and nutrition established by the National Academy of Sciences in 1989.

Water-soluble vitamins — Vitamins that are not stored in the body and are easily excreted. They must, therefore, be consumed regularly as foods or supplements to maintain health.

---

folic acid /fo·lic ac·id/ (fo´lik) a water-soluble vitamin of the B complex, pteroylglutamic acid or related derivatives, which is involved in hematopoiesis and the synthesis of amino acids and DNA; its deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia. See tetrahydrofolic acid and folic acid antagonist.

---

fo·lic acid (flk, flk)

n.

A yellowish-orange compound of the vitamin B complex group, occurring in green plants, fresh fruit, liver, and yeast. Also called folacin, folate, vitamin B_c.

---

folic acid

[fō′lik, fol′ik]

a yellow crystalline water-soluble vitamin essential for cell growth and reproduction. It functions as a coenzyme with vitamins B₁₂ and C in the metabolism and use of proteins and in the formation of nucleic acids and heme for hemoglobin. Deficiency results in poor growth, graying of hair, glossitis, stomatitis, GI lesions, and diarrhea, and it may lead to megaloblastic anemia. Deficiency is caused by inadequate dietary intake of the vitamin, malabsorption, metabolic abnormalities, or drug-nutrient interactions. Need for folic acid increases in pregnancy, infancy, and periods of stress. A daily intake of 400 mg before conception and during early pregnancy has been found to lower the risk of fetal neural tube defects. Rich dietary sources include spinach and other green leafy vegetables, liver, kidney, asparagus, lima beans, nuts, orange juice, and whole-grain cereals. It is both heat- and light-labile, and considerable loss of the vitamin occurs during cooking and when it has been stored for a long period. Also called folacin, pteroylglutamic acid, vitamin B₉.

---

folic acid,

n vitamin B₉, a water-soluble B vitamin needed for erythropoiesis, increases red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet formation in megaloblastic anemias. It functions as a coenzyme with vitamin B₁₂ and C in the breakdown and utilization of proteins and in the formation of nucleic acids. It is prescribed for use during pregnancy (helps prevent neural tube defects) and for megaloblastic or macrocytic anemia caused by folic acid deficiency, liver disease, alcoholism, hemolysis, and intestinal obstruction.

folic acid analog,

n an antimetabolite drug used as an antineoplastic agent in the treatment of malignant cell growths.

---

folic acid

one of the vitamins of the B complex. Folic acid is involved in the synthesis of amino acids and DNA; its deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia. Folic acid is supplied in adequate amounts by natural pasture plants and most diets for dogs and cats. Possibly required in greater amounts in racing horses confined to stables. Called also vitamin B_c, pteroylmonoglutamic acid.

---

folic acid antagonist

a compound such as trimethoprim or methotrexate which acts as an antimetabolite of folic acid, interfering with DNA replication and cell division by inhibiting the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase.

---

folic acid

Folate A family of water-soluble B vitamins not synthesized by mammals, which are required for normal hematopoiesis; it is used to treat megaloblastic anemia, and folate deficiency, prevent cervical and other CAs, neural tube defects; ↓ in alcoholism, malabsorption, anticonvulsants. See Megaloblastic anemia.

---

Patient discussion about folic acid analog.

Q. Why to take Folic Acid during pregnancy? I am in the beginning of my pregnancy and the Doctor told me to take Folic Acid every day, why?

A. Studies have shown that mothers who were deficient in folic acid during pregnancy were two to three times more likely to have a premature or low birth rate baby that those who got enough folic acid. Having enough folic acid has been shown to decrease chances of spina bifida and anencephaly (severely underdeveloped brain and skull). It also reduces the chances of cleft lip, cleft palate and heart defects. Folic acid is also key in the production of the baby’s DNA.

Q. Why should I take folic acid? I heard that it is recommended for women to take folic acid every day. Should I take it even if I am not pregnant?

A. Folic acid is a B vitamin promoted mainly as part of a healthy diet to reduce the risk of neural tube birth defects (such as spina bifida and anencephaly), some types of cancer, and heart disease. It has also been studied for use in Alzheimer's disease and in chronic fatigue syndrome. While evidence of its ability to reduce neural tube defects in infants (when taken by the mother before and during pregnancy) is fairly strong, its effects against other conditions are still under study.

Q. Which foods contain folic acid? I was told by my Doctor to take folic acid. Which foods are rich with folic acid so I can add them to my diet?

A. Folic acid is a B vitamin found in many vegetables, beans, fruits, whole grains, and in fortified breakfast cereals.