HUN 2201 Lecture Notes - Lecture 16: Hypercalcaemia, Action Potential, Xerophthalmia
Document Summary
Folate functions: folate coenzymes needed for dna synthesis (especially needed in rapidly dividing tissues) and some amino acid metabolism. Important in early pregnancy for neural tube formation, which develops into the brain and spinal cord: controls homocysteine levels along with b-12 and b-6. Spina bifida (neural tube deficit: folic acid added to enriching process lowered incidence almost 50% What is a dfe: dietary folate equivalent take into consideration the bioavailability of the different forms of folate, folic acid from fortification and supplements is better absorbed than folate from food. Folate: toxicity, masks vitamin b12 deficiency, upper limit is 1000 ug/day, food sources, leafy green vegetables, legumes and seeds, fortified grains, easily destroyed by heat and oxygen. B-12 (cobaltamin: functions, synthesis of new cells, maintain nerve cells. 1: vitamin b-12 is the only vitamin that can be stored in the body for years!
