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Introduction What is a Balanced Diet Food Nutrient Terms DRVs for Fat and Carbohydrate Modifying your Diet Food Energy Balance Vitamins and Minerals Carbohydrate Fibre Cholesterol Trans-Fatty Acids Protein Vitamin A Vitamin C Sodium Vitamin B6, Niacin and Thiamin Vitamin E A Final Word Nutrients Covered |
Folic acid is a water soluble vitamin. Folic acid (pteroyl glutamic acid) is the parent molecule for a large number of derivatives collectively known as folates. They are involved in a number of single carbon transfer reactions, especially in the synthesis of purines, pyrimidines, glycine and methionine. The characteristic sign of folate deficiency is megaloblastosis, with abnormal, multilobed neutrophil nuclei and giant platelets in peripheral blood. Other rapidly regenerating tissues such as intestinal mucosa may also suffer, while in babies and children, growth may be affected. |
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