folaterelated

Folate-related refers to topics connected with folate (vitamin B9) and its metabolic pathways, roles, and health implications. Folate is a water-soluble B vitamin that acts as a cofactor in one-carbon metabolism, essential for nucleic acid synthesis and cellular methylation reactions.

Within cells, folate cycles convert to tetrahydrofolate and other derivatives that carry one-carbon units necessary for thymidylate and purine synthesis, as well as for remethylation of homocysteine to methionine. Dihydrofolate reductase regenerates tetrahydrofolate from dihydrofolate, maintaining the supply of active folate coenzymes.

Deficiency leads to megaloblastic anemia and elevated homocysteine; in pregnancy, folate deficiency is linked to neural tube defects, so folic acid supplementation or fortified foods reduce risk. Excessive intake of synthetic folic acid can mask vitamin B12 deficiency. Folate status can be affected by alcohol use, malabsorption, certain medications, and genetic factors such as MTHFR polymorphisms.

Dietary sources include leafy greens, legumes, liver, and citrus fruits; fortified grains provide synthetic folic acid. Recommended intake varies: about 400 micrograms dietary folate equivalents (DFE) daily for adults, 600 DFE during pregnancy, and 500 DFE during lactation; the tolerable upper intake level for synthetic folic acid is commonly cited as 1000 micrograms per day for adults.

In clinical and research contexts, folate-related topics include antifolate chemotherapy (for example, methotrexate), conditions like folate deficiency and hyperhomocysteinemia, and gene–nutrition interactions affecting folate metabolism.