Folic Acid and Cobalamin Overview

Study Notes

Folic Acid

Transfers one carbon units critical for DNA, RNA, methionine, and serine synthesis.
Contributes to the conversion of histidine to glutamic acid.
Vital for the formation and maturation of red and white blood cells in the bone marrow.
Instability: Sensitive to heat in acidic conditions; stable in sunlight; susceptible to loss in vegetables at room temperature; destroyed in high-temperature food processing.
Deficiency: Leads to poor growth, megaloblastic anemia, glossitis (tongue inflammation), gastrointestinal issues, and metabolic derangement.
Best food sources: Liver, kidney, beans, spinach, asparagus, broccoli.
Good sources: Lean beef, potatoes, whole-wheat bread, dried beans.
Poor sources: Most meats, milk, fruits, eggs, root vegetables.

Cobalamin (B12)

Essential for cell growth and metabolism, particularly in the GI tract, bone marrow, and nervous tissue.
Works with folic acid, choline, and methionine to transfer methyl groups for nucleic acid synthesis.
Key role in myelin formation, critical for nerve function.
Supports metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats; important for folic acid absorption.
Stability: Retains about 70% of vitamin activity during cooking.
Deficiency: Causes demyelination of spinal cord nerve fibers and pernicious anemia, where vitamin B12 absorption is compromised.
Toxicity: No known toxic effects reported.
Food sources: Found primarily in animal proteins.

Inositol Choline

Found in meat, glandular organs, legumes, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and grains.
Closely resembles glucose; referred to as "muscle sugar."
Acts as a lipotropic agent, aiding in fat transport and metabolism.
Minimum dietary requirements for inositol are not established.

Choline

Functions similarly as a lipotropic agent, mobilizing fat and preventing fatty acid accumulation.
Essential for fat transport due to its presence in phospholipids like lecithin, cephalin, and sphingomyelin.
Deficiency: Can lead to fatty liver conditions, often seen in chronic alcoholism and kwashiorkor.
Kwashiorkor: A severe protein deficiency condition marked by edema, causing skin and hair changes, fatigue, diarrhea, poor muscle tone, lack of growth, and swelling in extremities.

Description

Explore the vital roles of Folic Acid and Cobalamin (Vitamin B12) in the human body. This quiz covers their functions, sources, and the consequences of deficiencies. Test your knowledge on their importance for DNA synthesis and blood cell formation.