Folate

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Folic acid
Skeletal formula
Ball-and-stick model of folic acid.png
Clinical data
Pronunciation /ˈfoʊlɪk, ˈfɒlɪk/
Synonyms FA, N-(4-{[(2-amino-4-oxo-1,4-dihydropteridin-6-yl)methyl]amino}benzoyl)-L-glutamic acid, pteroyl-L-glutamic acid, vitamin B9,[1] vitamin Bc,[2] vitamin M,[3] folacin, pteroyl-L-glutamate
AHFS/Drugs.com Monograph
MedlinePlus a682591
Pregnancy
category
  • US: A (No risk in human studies)
Routes of
administration		 By mouth, IM, IV, sub-Q
ATC code
Legal status
Legal status
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability 50–100%[4]
Metabolism Liver[4]
Excretion Urine[4]
Identifiers
CAS Number
PubChem CID
IUPHAR/BPS
DrugBank
ChemSpider
UNII
KEGG
ChEBI
ChEMBL
ECHA InfoCard 100.000.381 Edit this at Wikidata
Chemical and physical data
Formula C19H19N7O6
Molar mass 441.40 g·mol−1
3D model (JSmol)
Density 1.6±0.1[6] g/cm3
Melting point 250 °C (482 °F) (decomposition)
Solubility in water 1.6 mg/L (25 °C) mg/mL (20 °C)

Folate, distinct forms of which are known as folic acid, folacin, and vitamin B9,[7] is one of the B vitamins.[4] The recommended daily intake of folate in the US is 400 micrograms from foods or dietary supplements.[8] Folate in the form of folic acid is used to treat anemia caused by folic acid deficiency.[4] Folic acid is also used as a supplement by women during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects (NTDs) in the baby.[4][9] Low levels in early pregnancy are believed to be the cause of more than half of babies born with NTDs.[10] More than 50 countries use fortification of certain foods with folic acid as a measure to decrease the rate of NTDs in the population.[11][12] Long-term supplementation is also associated with small reductions in the risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease.[13] It may be taken by mouth or by injection.[4]

No common side effects are known.[4] Whether high doses over a long period of time are of concern also is unknown.[4] Concerns exist that large amounts of folic acid might hide vitamin B12 deficiency.[10] Folic acid is essential for the body to make DNA, RNA, and metabolise amino acids, which are required for cell division.[10] As humans cannot make folic acid, it is required from the diet, making it an essential vitamin.[14]

Not consuming enough folate can lead to folate deficiency.[10] This may result in a type of anemia in which low numbers of large red blood cells occur.[10] Symptoms may include feeling tired, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, open sores on the tongue, and changes in the color of the skin or hair.[10] Folate deficiency in children may develop within a month of poor dietary intake.[15] In adults, normal total body folate is between 10,000 and 30,000 µg with blood levels of greater than 7 nmol/L (3 ng/mL).[10]

Folic acid was discovered between 1931 and 1943.[16] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system.[17] The wholesale cost of supplements in the developing world is between US$0.001 and 0.005 per dose as of 2014.[18] The term "folic" is from the Latin word folium, which means leaf.[19] Folates occur naturally in many foods, especially dark green leafy vegetables, liver, and lentils.[7][10]

Definition[edit]

"Folate" is the term used to name the many forms of the vitamin — namely folic acid and its congeners, including tetrahydrofolic acid (the activated form of the vitamin), methyltetrahydrofolate (the primary form found in the serum), methenyltetrahydrofolate, folinic acid, and folacin.[7][20][21][22] People sometimes confuse this use of "folate" with the use of "folate" in the standard way of naming acids in organic chemistry, in which the complete compound is called "X-ic acid", but rather is called "X-ate" when it loses a proton; acids shift back and forth between these forms based on the acidity of the solution in which they are found. In this usage, "folate" is just "folic acid" in a non-acidic solution.[23]

Other names include vitamin B9,[1] vitamin Bc,[2] vitamin M,[3] and pteroyl-L-glutamate.

Health effects[edit]

Folate is necessary for the production and maintenance of new cells, for DNA synthesis and RNA synthesis through methylation, and for preventing changes to DNA, thus for preventing cancer.[24] It is especially important during periods of frequent cell division and growth, such as infancy and pregnancy. Folate deficiency hinders DNA synthesis and cell division, affecting hematopoietic cells and neoplasms the most because of their greater frequency of cell division. RNA transcription and subsequent protein synthesis are less affected by folate deficiency, as the mRNA can be recycled and used again (as opposed to DNA synthesis, where a new genomic copy must be created). Since folate deficiency limits cell division, erythropoiesis, production of red blood cells, is hindered and leads to megaloblastic anemia, which is characterized by large, immature red blood cells. This pathology results from persistently thwarted attempts at normal DNA replication, DNA repair, and cell division, and produces abnormally large red cells called megaloblasts (and hypersegmented neutrophils) with abundant cytoplasm capable of RNA and protein synthesis, but with clumping and fragmentation of nuclear chromatin. Some of these large cells, although immature (reticulocytes), are released early from the marrow in an attempt to compensate for the anemia.[25] Both adults and children need folate to make normal red and white blood cells and prevent anemia.[26] Deficiency of folate in pregnant women has been implicated in NTDs; therefore, many developed countries have implemented mandatory folic acid fortification in cereals, etc. NTDs occur early in pregnancy (first month), therefore women must have abundant folate upon conception. Folate is required to make red blood cells and white blood cells and folate deficiency may lead to anemia, which causes fatigue, weakness and inability to concentrate.[27]

Pregnancy[edit]

Folate intake during pregnancy has been linked to a lessened risk of NTDs.[28] ,a meta-analysis of folate supplementation during pregnancy reported a 28% lower risk of newborn congenital heart defects.[29] The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends the folic acid supplementation for all women able to become pregnant; forms of folate other than folic acid have not been studied for this use and are not recommended.[21]

Prenatal supplementation with folic acid did not appear to reduce the risk of preterm births.[30][31] One systematic review indicated no effect of folic acid on mortality, growth, body composition, respiratory, or cognitive outcomes of children from birth to 9 years old.[32] There was no correlation between maternal folic acid supplementation and an increased risk for childhood asthma.[33]

Fertility[edit]

Folate is necessary for fertility in both men and women. It contributes to spermatogenesis. Therefore, receiving sufficient amounts through the diet is necessary to avoid low fertility.[34] Also, polymorphisms in genes of enzymes involved in folate metabolism could be one reason for fertility complications in some women with unexplained infertility.[35]

Heart disease[edit]

Taking folic acid over years reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease by 4%,[13] where another study found it did not affect cardiovascular disease, even while reducing homocysteine levels.[36] Several studies provided preliminary evidence that folate-rich diets were associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases by lowering blood levels of homocysteine.[7]

Stroke[edit]

Long-term supplementation with folic acid reduced the risk of stroke by 10%, which may be due to the role folate plays in regulating homocysteine concentration.[13] The reviews indicate the risk of stroke appears to be reduced only in some individuals, but a definite recommendation regarding supplementation beyond the current RDA has not been established for stroke prevention.[37] Asian populations had greater protection against stroke with folate supplementation than did European or North American subjects.[13]

Observed stroke reduction is consistent with the reduction in pulse pressure produced by folate supplementation of 5 mg per day, since hypertension is a key risk factor for stroke. Folic supplements are inexpensive and relatively safe to use, which is why people who have had strokes or who have hyperhomocysteinemia are encouraged to consume daily B vitamins including folic acid.[38]

Cancer[edit]

Studies on folic acid intake from food and folate supplementation with regards to cancer risk are based on the adequacy of chronic intake. Chronically insufficient intake of folic acid (below the recommended level of 400 μg per day[8]) may increase the risk of colorectal, breast, ovarian, pancreas, brain, lung, cervical, and prostate cancers.[7][39][40][41][42] Other studies showed that excessive dietary supplementation with synthetic folate may increase the risk of certain cancers, in particular prostate.[43][44] A 2017 review found no relationship between taking folate supplements and cancer risk.[45]

Antifolate chemotherapy[edit]

Folate is important for cells and tissues that divide rapidly.[24] Cancer cells divide rapidly, and drugs that interfere with folate metabolism are used to treat cancer. The antifolate drug methotrexate is often used to treat cancer because it inhibits the production of the active form of THF from the inactive dihydrofolate (DHF). However, methotrexate can be toxic,[46][47][48] producing side effects, such as inflammation in the digestive tract that make eating normally more difficult. Also, bone marrow depression (inducing leukopenia and thrombocytopenia) and acute kidney and liver failure have been reported.

Folinic acid, under the drug name leucovorin, a form of folate (formyl-THF), can help "rescue" or reverse the toxic effects of methotrexate.[49] Folinic acid is not the same as folic acid. Folic acid supplements have little established role in cancer chemotherapy.[50][51] Cases of severe adverse effects of accidental substitution of folic acid for folinic acid have been reported in people receiving methotrexate cancer chemotherapy. Anyone receiving methotrexate should follow medical advice on the use of folic or folinic acid supplements. The supplement of folinic acid in people undergoing methotrexate treatment is to give cells dividing less rapidly enough folate to maintain normal cell functions. The amount of folate given is depleted by rapidly dividing cells (cancer) quickly, so does not negate the effects of methotrexate.

Neurological[edit]

Some evidence links a shortage of folate with depression.[52] Limited evidence from randomised, controlled trials showed using folic acid in addition to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may have benefits.[53] Research found a link between depression and low levels of folate.[54][55] Folate may reduce homocysteine levels, which are associated with cognitive functions.[7]

The exact mechanisms involved in the development of schizophrenia and depression are not entirely clear, but the bioactive folate, methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), a direct target of methyl donors such as S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe), recycles the inactive dihydrobiopterin (BH2) into tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), the necessary cofactor in various steps of monoamine synthesis, including that of dopamine. BH4 serves a regulatory role in monoamine neurotransmission and is required to mediate the actions of most antidepressants. 5-MTHF also plays both direct & indirect roles in DNA methylation, NO2 synthesis, and one-carbon metabolism.[56]

Age-related macular degeneration[edit]

A sub study of the Women's Antioxidant and Folic Acid Cardiovascular Study published in 2009 reported use of a nutritional supplement containing folic acid, pyridoxine, and cyanocobalamin decreased the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration by 34.7%.[57] The amount of folic acid used in this clinical trial – 2500 μg – was higher than the tolerable upper intake level of 1000 μg.

Folic acid, B12 and iron[edit]

A complex interaction occurs between folic acid, vitamin B12, and iron. A deficiency of one may be "masked" by excess of another, so the three must always be in balance.[58][59][60]

Toxicity[edit]

The risk of toxicity from folic acid is low, because folate is a water-soluble vitamin and is regularly removed from the body through urine.[61] One potential issue associated with high doses of folic acid is that it has a masking effect on the diagnosis of pernicious anaemia (vitamin B12 deficiency),[62] and a variety of concerns[clarification needed] of potential negative impacts on health.[63]

Folate deficiency[edit]

Main article: Folate deficiency

Folate deficiency can be caused by unhealthy diets that do not include enough vegetables and other folate-rich foods; diseases in which folates are not well absorbed in the digestive system (such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease); some genetic disorders that affect levels of folate; and certain medicines (such as phenytoin, sulfasalazine, or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole).[64] Folate deficiency is accelerated by alcohol consumption.[65]

Folate deficiency may lead to glossitis, diarrhea, depression, confusion, anemia, and fetal neural tube and brain defects.[66] Other symptoms include fatigue, gray hair, mouth sores, poor growth, and swollen tongue.[64] Folate deficiency is diagnosed by analyzing CBC and plasma vitamin B12 and folate levels.[66] CBC may indicate megaloblastic anemia, but this could also be a sign of vitamin B12 deficiency.[66] A serum folate of 3 μg/L or lower indicates deficiency.[66] Serum folate level reflects folate status, but erythrocyte folate level better reflects tissue stores after intake.[66] Serum folate reacts more rapidly to folate intake than erythrocyte folate.[67] An erythrocyte folate level of 140 μg/L or lower indicates inadequate folate status.[66] Increased homocysteine levels suggest tissue folate deficiency, but homocysteine is also affected by vitamin B12 and vitamin B6, renal function, and genetics.[66]

One way to differentiate between folate (vitamin B9) deficiency from vitamin B12 deficiency is by testing for methylmalonic acid (MMA) levels.[66] Normal MMA levels indicate folate deficiency and elevated MMA levels indicate vitamin B12 deficiency.[66] Folate deficiency is treated with supplemental oral folic acid of 400 to 1000 μg per day. This treatment is very successful in replenishing tissues, even if deficiency was caused by malabsorption.[66] People with megaloblastic anemia need to be tested for vitamin B12 deficiency before treatment with folic acid, because if the person has vitamin B12 deficiency, folic acid supplementation can remove the anemia, but can also worsen neurologic problems.[66] Cobalamin deficiency may lead to folate deficiency, which, in turn, increases homocysteine levels and may result in the development of cardiovascular disease or birth defects.[68]

Malaria[edit]

Some studies show iron–folic acid supplementation in children under five may result in increased mortality due to malaria; this has prompted the World Health Organization to alter their iron–folic acid supplementation policies for children in malaria-prone areas, such as India.[69]

Dietary recommendations[edit]

Because of the difference in bioavailability between supplemented folic acid and the different forms of folate found in food, the dietary folate equivalent (DFE) system was established. One DFE is defined as 1 μg of dietary folate. One μg of folic acid supplement counts as 1.7 μg DFE. The reason for the difference is that at least 85% of folic acid is estimated to be bioavailable when taken with food, whereas only about 50% of folate naturally present in food is bioavailable.[70]

National Institutes of Health (US) nutritional recommendations[70] (µg DFE per day for RDA, µg folic acid for UL)
Age Infants (AI) Infants (UL) Adults (RDA) Adults (UL) Pregnant women (RDA) Pregnant women (UL) Lactating women (RDA) Lactating women (UL)
0–6 months 65 None set – – – – – –
7–12 months 80 None set – – – – – –
1–3 years – – 150 300 – – – –
4–8 years – – 200 400 – – –  –
9–13 years – – 300 600 – – – –
14–18 – – 400 800 600 800 500 800
19+ – – 400 1000 600 1000 500 1000

The U.S. Institute of Medicine (IOM) updated Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for folate in 2001. As for safety, the IOM sets Tolerable upper intake levels (ULs) for vitamins and minerals when evidence is sufficient. The UL for folate refers to only micrograms of synthetic folic acid, as no health risks have been associated with high intake of folate from food sources. Collectively the EARs, RDAs, AIs, and ULs are referred to as Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs).[70][71]

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) refers to the collective set of information as Dietary Reference Values, with Population Reference Intake (PRI) instead of RDA, and Average Requirement instead of EAR. AI and UL defined the same as in United States. For women and men over age 18 the PRI is set at 330 μg/day. PRI for pregnancy is 600 μg/day, for lactation 500 μg/day. For children ages 1–17 years the PRIs increase with age from 120 to 270 μg/day. These values differ somewhat from the U.S. RDAs.[72] The EFSA also reviewed the safety question and agreed with United States that the UL be set at 1000 μg.[73]

For U.S. food and dietary supplement labeling purposes, the amount in a serving is expressed as a percent of Daily Value (%DV). For folate labeling purposes, 100% of the Daily Value was 400 μg. As of the May 27, 2016 update, it was kept unchanged at 400 μg.[74] A table of the old and new adult Daily Values is provided at Reference Daily Intake. Food and supplement companies have until January 1, 2020 to comply with the change.[75]

The United Kingdom's Dietary Reference Value for folate, set by the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food and Nutrition Policy (COMA) in 1991, is 200μg/day for adults.[76]

Sources[edit]

Vitamins C and M as featured on a monument in front of University of Warsaw's Centre of New Technologies

Folate naturally occurs in a wide variety of foods.[7] Rich sources include yeast extract at 2620μg/100g;[77] dark green leaf vegetables such as Brussels sprouts at 135μg/100g,[77] curly kale at 120μg/100g,[77] mature spinach at 114μg/100g,[77] baby spinach at 161 μg/100g;[77] many other vegetables including asparagus at 175 μg/100g,[77] boiled fresh (not pickled) beetroot at 110μg/100g,[77] lettuce at 60 μg/100g,[77] and red bell peppers at 75 μg/100g;[77] many herbs including parsley at 170 μg/100g,[77] spearmint at 110 μg/100g,[77] chives at 105μg/100g,[77] and coriander leaves at 62 μg/100g;[77] some fruits such as strawberries at 61 μg/100g;[77] many legumes including boiled dried black-eyed peas at 210 μg/100g,[77] boiled dried soybeans at 54μg/100g,[77] boiled dried (not canned) chickpeas at 66μg/100g,[77] and runner beans at 60μg/100g;[77] many nuts including hazelnuts at 72μg/100g[77] and walnuts at 66μg/100g;[77] grains and other seeds including sesame at 97 μg/100g;[77] some meat, especially liver[77] and kidneys,[77] eggs,[77] and some seafood.[10][78] Avocado,[79] beetroot, spinach, liver, yeast, asparagus, kale, and Brussels sprouts are among the foods with the highest levels of folate.[7][10] Folate naturally found in food is susceptible to high heat and ultraviolet light, and is soluble in water.[80] It is heat-labile in acidic environments and may also be subject to oxidation.[80]

Folic acid is added to grain products in many countries, and these fortified products make up a significant source of the population's folate intake.[81] Enriched flour – used for processed foods like pasta, bread, and breakfast cereals – and fortified rice typically contain folate.[7]

History[edit]

In the 1920s, scientists believed folate deficiency and anemia were the same condition.[82] In 1931, researcher Lucy Wills made a key observation that led to the identification of folate as the nutrient required to prevent anemia during pregnancy. Wills demonstrated that anemia could be reversed with brewer's yeast. In the late 1930s, folate was identified as the corrective substance in brewer's yeast.

It was first isolated via extraction from spinach leaves by Herschel K. Mitchell, Esmond E. Snell, and Roger J. Williams in 1941.[83] Bob Stokstad isolated the pure crystalline form in 1943, and was able to determine its chemical structure while working at the Lederle Laboratories of the American Cyanamid Company.[84] This historical research project, of obtaining folic acid in a pure crystalline form in 1945, was done by the team called the "folic acid boys," under the supervision and guidance of Director of Research Dr. Yellapragada Subbarow, at the Lederle Lab, Pearl River, NY.[85]

This research subsequently led to the synthesis of the antifolate aminopterin, the first-ever anticancer drug, the clinical efficacy was proven by Sidney Farber in 1948. In the 1950s and 1960s, scientists began to discover the biochemical mechanisms of action for folate.[82] In 1960, experts first linked folate deficiency to neural tube defects.[82] In the late 1990s, US scientists realized, despite the availability of folate in foods and in supplements, there was still a challenge for people to meet their daily folate requirements, which is when the US implemented the folate fortification program.[82]

Biological roles[edit]

The formation of tetrahydrofolate (FH4, also THF) begins when folic acid (F) is reduced to dihydrofolate (DHF) (FH2), which is then reduced to THF. Dihydrofolate reductase catalyses the last step.[86] Vitamin B3 in the form of NADPH is a cofactor for both steps. Thus, hydride is transferred from NADPH to the C6 position of the pteridine ring.[87]

C1-derivatives of folate[edit]

Folate is a carrier of C1 groups (methyl , methylene, formyl).

Methylene-THF (CH2FH4) is formed from THF by the addition of a methylene bridge from one of three carbon donors: formate, serine, or glycine. For example by serine hydroxymethyltransferase catalyzes the conversion of THF to CH2-THF, extracting the C1 unit from L-serine giving glycine. This reaction provides the largest part of the one-carbon units available to the cell.[88]Methyl tetrahydrofolate (CH3-THF, or methyl-THF) forms by reduction of methylene-THF by NADPH. Also, histidine can donate a single carbon to THF to form methenyl-THF.

10-Formyl-THF forms from two pathways. It results from oxidation of methylene-THF. It also forms from formate donating formyl group to THF.

DNA production[edit]

Folate derivatives participate in the biosynthesis of both purines and pyridines. Formyl folate is required for two of the steps in the biosynthesis of inosine monophosphate, the precursor to GMP and AMP.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate donates the C1 center required for the biosynthesis of dTMP (2′-deoxythymidine-5′-phosphate) from dUMP (2′-deoxyuridine-5′-phosphate). The conversion is catalyzed by thymidylate synthase.

Metabolism of folic acid to recycle homocysteine into methionine

Amino acid processing[edit]

Methyl-THF converts vitamin B12 to methyl-B12 (methylcobalamin). Methyl-B12 converts homocysteine, in a reaction catalyzed by homocysteine methyltransferase, to methionine.

A defect in homocysteine methyltransferase or a deficiency of B12 may lead to a so-called "methyl-trap" of THF, in which THF converts to methyl-THF, causing a deficiency in folate.[84] Thus, a deficiency in B12 can cause accumulation of methyl-THF, mimicking folate deficiency.

Folate metabolism
Formiminoglutamic acid is an intermediate in the conversion of histidine to glutamic acid, catalyzed by THF.

Methionyl-tRNA formyltransferase catalyzes the conversion of L-methionyl-tRNAfMet into N-formylmethionyl-tRNAfMet.

Conversion to biologically active derivatives[edit]

All the biological functions of folic acid are performed by tetrahydrofolate and other derivatives. Their biological availability to the body depends upon dihydrofolate reductase action in the liver. This action is unusually slow in humans, being less than 2% of that in rats (and with an almost-5-fold variation in enzymatic activity), leading to the accumulation of unmetabolized folic acid.[89] It has been suggested this low activity limits the conversion of folic acid into its biologically active forms "when folic acid is consumed at levels higher than the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (1 mg/d for adults)."[89]

Drugs that interfere with folate reactions[edit]

A number of drugs interfere with the biosynthesis of folic acid and THF. Among them are the dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors such as trimethoprim, pyrimethamine, and methotrexate; the sulfonamides (competitive inhibitors of 4-aminobenzoic acid in the reactions of dihydropteroate synthetase).

Valproic acid, one of the most commonly prescribed anticonvulsants that is also used to treat certain psychological conditions, is a known inhibitor of folic acid, and as such, has been shown to cause neural tube defects and cases of spina bifida and cognitive impairment in the newborn. Because of this considerable risk, those mothers who must continue to use valproic acid or its derivatives during pregnancy to control their condition (as opposed to stopping the drug or switching to another drug or to a lesser dose) should take folic acid supplements under the direction and guidance of their health care providers.

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III 1988–91) and the Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (1994–96 CSFII) indicated most adults did not consume adequate folate.[90][91] However, the folic acid fortification program in the United States has increased folic acid content of commonly eaten foods such as cereals and grains, and as a result, diets of most adults now provide recommended amounts of folate equivalents.[92]

Food fortification[edit]

In the USA many grain products are fortified with folic acid.
See also: Food fortification

Folic acid fortification is a process where folic acid is added to flour with the intention of promoting public health through increasing blood folate levels in the populace. In the USA, food is fortified with folic acid, only one of the many naturally occurring forms of folate, and a substance contributing only a minor amount to the folates in natural foods.[63]

Since the discovery of the link between insufficient folic acid and neural tube defects, governments and health organizations worldwide have made recommendations concerning folic acid supplementation for women intending to become pregnant.

Fortification is controversial, with issues having been raised concerning individual liberty,[63] as well as the health concerns described in the Toxicity section above. In the USA, there is concern that the federal government mandates fortification, but does not provide monitoring of potential undesirable effects of fortification.[63]

Australia[edit]

There has been previous debate in Australia regarding the inclusion of folic acid in products such as bread and flour.[93]

Australia and New Zealand have jointly agreed to fortification through the Food Standards Australia New Zealand. Australia will fortify all flour from 18 September 2009.[94] Although the food standard covers both Australia and New Zealand, an Australian government official has stated it is up to New Zealand to decide whether to implement it there, and they will watch with interest.[95]

The requirement is 0.135 mg of folate per 100g of bread.

Canada[edit]

Folic acid food fortification became mandatory in Canada in 1998, with the fortification of 150 µg of folic acid per 100 grams of enriched flour and uncooked cereal grains.[96] The purpose of fortification was to decrease the risk of neural tube defects in newborns.[96] It is important to fortify grains because it is a widely eaten food and the neural tube closes in the first four weeks of gestation, often before many women even know they are pregnant. Canada's fortification program has been successful with a decrease of neural tube defects by 19% since its introduction.[97] A seven-province study from 1993 to 2002 showed a reduction of 46% in the overall rate of neural tube defects after folic acid fortification was introduced in Canada.[98] The fortification program was estimated to raise a person’s folic acid intake level by 70–130 µg/day; however, an increase of almost double that amount was actually observed.[97] This could be from the fact that many foods are over fortified by 160–175% the predicted value.[97] In addition, much of the elder population take supplements that adds 400 µg to their daily folic acid intake. This is a concern because 70–80% of the population have detectable levels of unmetabolized folic acid in their blood and high intakes can accelerate the growth of preneoplastic lesions.[99] It is still unknown the amount of folic acid supplementation that might cause harm.[96]

Supplementation promotion[edit]

According to a Canadian survey, 58% of women said they took a folic acid containing multivitamin or a folic acid supplement as early as three months before becoming pregnant. Women in higher income households and with more years of school education are using more folic acid supplements before pregnancy. Women with planned pregnancies and who are over the age of 25 are more likely to use folic acid supplement. Canadian public health efforts are focused on promoting awareness of the importance of folic acid supplementation for all women of childbearing age and decreasing socio-economic inequalities by providing practical folic acid support to vulnerable groups of women.[98]

New Zealand[edit]

New Zealand was planning to fortify bread (excluding organic and unleavened varieties) from 18 September 2009, but has opted to wait until more research is done.[94]

The Association of Bakers[100] and the Green Party[101] have opposed mandatory fortification, describing it as "mass medication". Food Safety Minister Kate Wilkinson reviewed the decision to fortify in July 2009, citing links between overconsumption of folate with cancer .[102] The New Zealand Government is reviewing whether it will continue with the mandatory introduction of folic acid to bread.[103]

United Kingdom[edit]

There has been previous debate in the United Kingdom regarding the inclusion of folic acid in products such as bread and flour.[104] While the Food Standards Agency has recommended folic acid fortification,[105][106][107] and wheat flour is fortified with iron,[108] folic acid fortification of wheat flour is allowed voluntarily rather than required.

United States[edit]

The United States Public Health Service recommends an extra 0.4 mg/day for newly pregnant women, which they can take as a pill. However, many researchers believe this supplementation can never work effectively enough, since about half of all pregnancies in the U.S. are unplanned, and not all women comply with the recommendation. Approximately 53% of the US population uses dietary supplements and 35% uses dietary supplements that contain folic acid.[109]

Men consume more folate (in dietary folate equivalents) than women, and non-Hispanic whites have higher folate intakes than Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic blacks.[109] Twenty-nine percent of black women have inadequate intakes of folate.[109] The age group consuming the most folate and folic acid is the >50 group.[109] 5% of the population exceeds the Tolerable Upper Intake Level.[109]

In 1996, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published regulations requiring the addition of folic acid to enriched breads, cereals, flours, corn meals, pastas, rice, and other grain products.[110][111] This ruling took effect on 1 January 1998, and was specifically targeted to reduce the risk of neural tube birth defects in newborns.[112] There are concerns that the amount of folate added is insufficient .[113] In October 2006, the Australian press claimed that U.S. regulations requiring fortification of grain products were being interpreted as disallowing fortification in non-grain products, specifically Vegemite (an Australian yeast extract containing folate). The FDA later said the report was inaccurate, and no ban or other action was being taken against Vegemite.[114]

As a result of the folic acid fortification program, fortified foods have become a major source of folic acid in the American diet.[10] The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia used data from 23 birth defect registries covering about half of United States births, and extrapolated their findings to the rest of the country. These data indicate that, since the addition of folic acid in grain-based foods as mandated by the FDA, the rate of neural tube defects dropped by 25% in the United States.[115] Before folic acid fortification, about 4,100 pregnancies were affected by a neural tube defect each year in the United States. After fortification, this number declined to around 3,000.[116] The results of folic acid fortification on the rate of neural tube defects in Canada have also been positive, showing a 46% reduction in prevalence of NTDs;[117] the magnitude of reduction was proportional to the prefortification rate of NTDs, essentially removing geographical variations in rates of NTDs seen in Canada before fortification.

When the U.S. Food and Drug Administration set the folic acid fortification regulation in 1996, the projected increase in folic acid intake was 100 µg/d.[118] Data from a study with 1480 subjects showed that folic acid intake increased by 190 µg/d and total folate intake increased by 323 µg dietary folate equivalents (DFE)/d.[118] Folic acid intake above the upper tolerable intake level (1000 µg folic acid/d) increased only among those individuals consuming folic acid supplements as well as folic acid found in fortified grain products.[118] Taken together, folic acid fortification has led to a bigger increase in folic acid intake than first projected.[118]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

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Biochemistry links
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