[Physiological and pathophysiological significance of vitamin B9. Summary on the occasion of the 30-year introduction of folic acid as a dietary supplement].

[Physiological and pathophysiological significance of vitamin B9. Summary on the occasion of the 30-year introduction of folic acid as a dietary supplement]. Orv Hetil. 2019 Jul;160(28):1087-1096 Authors: Zsigrai S, Kalmár A, Valcz G, Szigeti KA, Barták BK, Nagy ZB, Igaz P, Tulassay Z, Molnár B Abstract Vitamin B9, also known as folate, can be found in natural and synthetic forms, mostly in vegetables or folic acid containing food supplements. By participating in the proper cell development and division, its presence is indispensable for certain basic metabolic processes. The decreased folate level of the body, mainly caused by environmental and hereditary factors as well as aging, can lead to genetic, epigenetic and metabolic changes. It can be related to the development of megaloblastic anemia, various cardiovascular diseases (such as atherosclerosis, stroke) obstetrical complications (such as abruption of the placentae, spontaneous abortion, preterm delivery, neural tube defect), neuropsychiatric diseases (such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, depression) and tumors. The vitamin has a preventive effect in all the above-mentioned diseases, however, in the case of tumor existence, its therapeutic use requires great care, as it may promote the progression of certain precancerous lesions. Food fortification with folic acid is currently being carried out in more than 60 countries in order to ensure a minimum vitamin B9 r...
Source: Orvosi Hetilap - Category: General Medicine Authors: Tags: Orv Hetil Source Type: research