Folate, or vitamin B-9, is an inactive compound that primarily comes from fruits and vegetables. Folate is converted by the liver to tetrahydrofolate, its active form. The intake of adequate amounts of folate depends on the nature of the diet and how food is prepared, since folate is sometimes destroyed by over-cooking vegetables. Excess alcohol intake is associated with folate deficiency.
Benefits of Folate
Folate is important for the synthesis of nucleotides in the body. DNA and RNA are formed by the linkage of many nucleotides. Folate also proves important in DNA repair and also facilitates other reactions in the body. There is increased demand for folate during rapid cell division because cell division is hindered by the lack of folate.
Folate Deficiency
Lack of folate interferes with the synthesis of DNA and RNA. DNA contains all the information necessary for a cell to function properly. Decreased DNA synthesis affects many cells of the body including red blood cells which are important in the transport of oxygen. Folate deficiency causes anemia or a condition where red blood cells are not effective in the delivery of oxygen to tissues.
Alcoholism
In alcoholism, there is decreased liver uptake of folate. Folate retention in the liver is reduced as well. Excess alcohol intake decreases the absorption of folate in the intestines. Alcoholism may lead to lack of folate due to malnutrition. In addition, an alcoholic most likely does not consume adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables. Alcoholics also have increased loss of folate in the kidneys since excess alcohol use makes folate less available for use in the body.
Folate supplementation
According to the Office of Dietary Supplements website, both males and females older than 14 years of age should consume at least 400 micrograms, or mcg, of folate per day. Pregnant females should consume at least 600 mcg of folate per day. Folate supplementation in females reduces the likelihood of neural tube defects in babies, reports the ODS. Neural tube defects are congenital abnormalities that result in inadequate closure or protection of the spinal cord within the spinal column.
