FOLIC ACID BIOAVAILABILITY: A REVIEW

Abstract

Folic acid is an essential vitamin belonging to the B complex family. Folic acid is essential in humans and is important in both cytoplasm and mitochondria of the cell. In Cytoplasm, it plays a vital role in amino acid and Purine synthesis. Humans do not have de novo synthetic pathways for folic acid; thus, regular intake is required. Folate deficiency is observed in people who either do not consume folate-rich foods or have pathological conditions that prevent folate availability. Deficiency of folate results in anaemia, neural tube defects, foetal anomalies in pregnant women and cognitive disorders in adults. Fortification of foods with folate plays a crucial role in populations who are folate- deficient. Mandatory fortification in several high-income countries has shown positive effects in the population. Due to the impact of fortification on reducing symptoms associated with folate - deficiency, it is worth considering folate fortification in low-income countries as a mandatory approach.