Folate
Folate Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.
Folate is essential for the production of certain coenzymes in many metabolic systems such as purine and pyrimidine synthesis. It is also essential in the synthesis and maintenance of nucleoprotein in erythropoesis. It also promotes WBC and platelet production in folate-deficiency anaemia.
Folate is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin found in foods such as liver, kidney, yeast, and leafy, green vegetables. Also known as folate or Vitamin B9, folic acid is an essential cofactor for enzymes involved in DNA and RNA synthesis. More specifically, folic acid is required by the body for the synthesis of purines, pyrimidines, and methionine before incorporation into DNA or protein. Folate is the precursor of tetrahydrofolic acid, which is involved as a cofactor for transformylation reactions in the biosynthesis of purines and thymidylates of nucleic acids. Impairment of thymidylate synthesis in patients with folic acid deficiency is thought to account for the defective deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis that leads to megaloblast formation and megaloblastic and macrocytic anemias. Folate is particularly important during phases of rapid cell division, such as infancy, pregnancy, and erythropoiesis, and plays a protective factor in the development of cancer. As humans are unable to synthesize folic acid endogenously, diet and supplementation is necessary to prevent deficiencies. In order to function properly within the body, folic acid must first be reduced by the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) into the cofactors dihydrofolate (DHF) and tetrahydrofolate (THF). This important pathway, which is required for de novo synthesis of nucleic acids and amino acids, is disrupted by anti-metabolite therapies such as Methotrexate as they function as DHFR inhibitors to prevent DNA synthesis in rapidly dividing cells, and therefore prevent the formation of DHF and THF.
In general, folate serum levels below 5 ng/mL indicate folate deficiency, and levels below 2 ng/mL usually result in megaloblastic anemia.
| Trade Name | Folate |
| Generic | Folic acid |
| Folic acid Other Names | Acide folique, ácido fólico, Acidum folicum, Folacin, Folate, Folic acid, Folsäure, Vitamin B9, Vitamin Bc, Vitamin M |
| Weight | 5mg, 1mg |
| Type | Tablet |
| Formula | C19H19N7O6 |
| Weight | Average: 441.3975 Monoisotopic: 441.139681375 |
| Protein binding | Very high to plasma protein |
| Groups | Approved, Nutraceutical, Vet approved |
| Therapeutic Class | Drugs for Megaloblastic Anemia, Vitamin-B preparations |
| Manufacturer | Karnataka Antibiotics & Pharmaceuticals Ltd(kapl), Ad-din Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Blisson Medica Private Limited |
| Available Country | India, Bangladesh |
| Last Updated: | September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am |
Uses
Prophylaxis of megaloblastic anaemia in pregnancy, Supplement for women of child-bearing potential, Folate-deficient megaloblastic anaemia, Prophylaxis of neural tube defect in pregnancy
Folate is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Anaemia folate deficiency, Folate deficiency, Iron Deficiency (ID), Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA), Latent Iron Deficiency, Neural Tube Defects (NTDs), Vitamin Deficiency, Methotrexate toxicity, Nutritional supplementation
How Folate works
Folate, as it is biochemically inactive, is converted to tetrahydrofolic acid and methyltetrahydrofolate by dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). These folic acid congeners are transported across cells by receptor-mediated endocytosis where they are needed to maintain normal erythropoiesis, synthesize purine and thymidylate nucleic acids, interconvert amino acids, methylate tRNA, and generate and use formate. Using vitamin B12 as a cofactor, folic acid can normalize high homocysteine levels by remethylation of homocysteine to methionine via methionine synthetase.
Dosage
Folate dosage
Supplement for women of child-bearing potential: 0.4 mg daily.
Folate-deficient megaloblastic anaemia: 5 mg daily for 4 mth, up to 15 mg daily in malabsorption states. Continued dosing at 5 mg every 1-7 days may be needed in chronic haemolytic states, depending on the diet and rate of haemolysis.
Prophylaxis of neural tube defect in pregnancy: 4 or 5 mg daily starting before pregnancy and continued through the 1st trimester.
Prophylaxis of megaloblastic anaemia in pregnancy: 0.2-0.5 mg daily.
May be taken with or without food.
Side Effects
GI disturbances, hypersensitivity reactions; bronchospasm.
Toxicity
IPR-MUS LD50 85 mg/kg,IVN-GPG LD50 120 mg/kg, IVN-MUS LD50 239 mg/kg, IVN-RAT LD50 500 mg/kg, IVN-RBT LD50 410 mg/kg
Precaution
Treatment resistance may occur in patients with depressed haematopoiesis, alcoholism, deficiencies of other vitamins. Neonates.
Interaction
Antiepileptics, oral contraceptives, anti-TB drugs, alcohol, aminopterin, methotrexate, pyrimethamine, trimethoprim and sulphonamides may result to decrease in serum folate contrations. Decreases serum phenytoin concentrations.
Food Interaction
No interactions found.Volume of Distribution
Tetrahydrofolic acid derivatives are distributed to all body tissues but are stored primarily in the liver.
Elimination Route
Folate is absorbed rapidly from the small intestine, primarily from the proximal portion. Naturally occurring conjugated folates are reduced enzymatically to folic acid in the gastrointestinal tract prior to absorption. Folate appears in the plasma approximately 15 to 30 minutes after an oral dose; peak levels are generally reached within 1 hour.
Elimination Route
After a single oral dose of 100 mcg of folic acid in a limited number of normal adults, only a trace amount of the drug appeared in the urine. An oral dose of 5 mg in 1 study and a dose of 40 mcg/kg of body weight in another study resulted in approximately 50% of the dose appearing in the urine. After a single oral dose of 15 mg, up to 90% of the dose was recovered in the urine. A majority of the metabolic products appeared in the urine after 6 hours; excretion was generally complete within 24 hours. Small amounts of orally administered folic acid have also been recovered in the feces. Folate is also excreted in the milk of lactating mothers.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use
Pregnancy Category A. Adequate and well-controlled human studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy (and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters).
Contraindication
Undiagnosed megaloblastic anaemia; pernicious, aplastic or normocytic anaemias.
Storage Condition
Store at 15-30° C.
Innovators Monograph
You find simplified version here Folate
Folate contains Folic acid see full prescribing information from innovator Folate Monograph, Folate MSDS, Folate FDA label
FAQ
What does Folate do to the body?
Folate helps make healthy red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body. If we do not have enough folic acid, the body can make abnormally large red blood cells that do not work properly. This causes folate deficiency anaemia, which can cause tiredness and other symptoms.
Who needs Folate?
CDC urges all women of reproductive age to take 400 micrograms (mcg) of Folate each day, in addition to consuming food with folate from a varied diet, to help prevent some major birth defects of the baby's brain (anencephaly) and spine (spina bifida). Prophylaxis of megaloblastic anaemia in pregnancy, Supplement for women of child-bearing potential, Folate-deficient megaloblastic anaemia, Prophylaxis of neural tube defect in pregnancy
Why would a doctor prescribe Folate?
Folate helps your body produce and maintain new cells, and also helps prevent changes to DNA that may lead to cancer. As a medication, Folate is used to treat folic acid deficiency and certain types of anemia (lack of red blood cells) caused by folic acid deficiency.
How long should I take Folate?
You should take Folate supplements for two to three months before you conceive and until you are 12 weeks pregnant.
Who is at risk of Folate deficiency?
Folate deficiency is most commonly found in pregnant and lactating women, people with chronic conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, people following restricted diets due to weight-loss regimes or medical conditions, people with alcohol dependence and people more than 65 years of age.
What are the symptoms of low folic acid?
The symptoms of anemia that occur due to folate deficiency include:
- persistent fatigue.
- weakness.
- lethargy.
- pale skin.
- shortness of breath.
- irritability.
How to take Folate?
- If you are taking Folate every day, take it at the same time each day, either in the morning OR in the evening.
- Take your Folate tablets with a glass of water.
- You can take Folate with or without food.
- If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember.
Why Folate is bad?
Several studies indicate that chronically elevated levels of unmetabolized Folate may have adverse health effects, including: Increased cancer risk. High levels of unmetabolized Folate have been associated with increased cancer risk.
When should I stop taking Folate?
Once you reach 12 weeks pregnant your baby's spine will have developed, so you can stop taking Folate if you wish. However you can continue to take supplements after 12 weeks if you choose to and it won't harm your baby to do so.
Does Folate help to get pregnant fast?
“Folate supplementation prior to conception has been associated with a greater chance for getting pregnant, improved success with fertility treatments, and reduced risk of neural tube defects in the baby,” says Low Dog. “Though, more testing is needed.” For pregnant women, the RDA of Folate is 600 micrograms (mcg).
What food has folic acid?
Good sources of folic acid include:
- broccoli.
- brussels sprouts.
- leafy green vegetables, such as cabbage, kale, spring greens and spinach.
- peas.
- chickpeas and kidney beans.
- liver (but avoid this during pregnancy)
- breakfast cereals fortified with folic acid.
How long does it take for Folate tablets to work?
When Folate is taken for deficiencies, the benefits are usually felt quickly. In most cases, you'll feel better within 24 hours.
Do I really need to take Folate?
It's important to take a 400 micrograms Folate tablet every day before you're pregnant and until you're 12 weeks pregnant. Folate can help prevent birth defects known as neural tube defects, including spina bifida.
Does Folate improve skin?
Folate (folic acid) helps to facilitate the development of healthy skin cells, it can help fight out premature aging, specifically wrinkles and fine lines. It has also been found to increase the production of collagen to give you firmer and more toned skin.
How many Folate should I take a day?
All women need 400 micrograms of Folate every day. Women who can get pregnant should get 400 to 800 micrograms of Folate from a vitamin or from food that has added folic acid, such as breakfast cereal. This is in addition to the folate you get naturally from food. Some women may need more Folate each day.
What vegetables contain folic acid?
Folic acid is commonly found in dark green and leafy vegetables such as:
- spinach.
- asparagus.
- romaine lettuces.
- turnip greens.
- dried or fresh beans and peas, etc.
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A pound of potatoes also probably contains as much vitamin B6 and folic acid as 1 Ib.
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A glass of milk is also a good way to get more folic acid into your diet.
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Tomatoes are a great source of naturally-occurring folate.
Can Folate regulate periods?
Folate is said to promote regular ovulation and increased progesterone levels in the second half of the menstrual cycle. This may support fertility. Current recommendations are 400 micrograms (mcg) daily. Your doctor may suggest 800 mcg or more depending on your health history.
What are the benefits of Folate?
Folate acts by helping the body produce and maintain new cells. In particular, red blood cell formation is dependent upon adequate levels of this vitamin. Folate deficiency is a known cause of anemia in both adults and children.
