Name: Folic Acid
Class:
Mechanism: Essential for transfer and utilization of 1-carbon units in DNA synth.
Absorption:
Dist.:
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Excretion, t½:
Toxicity/S.E.s:
Utility: Recommended for all premenopausal women at dose of 2 x RDA ® reduced risk of neural tube defects. Lowers homocysteine, reduces risk of heart disease. May lower risk of cervical cancer. Treat folate-responsive schizophrenia (50-150 x RDA ® ¯ buildup of urinary homocysteine ® ¯ psychiatric symptoms).
Special Features: Deficiency ® megaloblastic anemia. Alcoholism ® ¯ folate absorption. Pregnancy ® folate demand.