Vitamin B9

INTRODUCTION OF VITAMIN B9 ( FOLIC ACID )

Vitamin B9, as known as folate, describes a group of derivatives of pteryl glutamic acid and folic acid is the synthetic form of folate used in supplements and for food fortification.

       It is a complex B vitamin, similar to vitamin B-12. Vitamin B9 and its forms carryout the crucial functions of creating more red blood cells, preventing hearing loss, and preserving the brain health of infants.

      Folic acid is particularly important for women who are pregnant to consume enough folic acid. This helps prevent the fetus from developing major congenital deformities of the brain or spine, including neural tube defects, such as spina bifida and anencephaly. 

BIOSYNTHESIS AND METABOLISM:

·         Many microorganisms including those inhabiting the intestinal tract can synthesize folic acid. Some of them cannot synthesize PABA, which has to be supplied. In presence of ATP and CoA-SH, PABA reacts with glutamic acid to form “ p-amino – benzoyl glutamic acid”. The latter then reacts with a “Pterin” to produce “ pteroylmonoglutamic acid, PGA” ( folic acid ); pterin moiety is probably derived from Guanosine.

EFFECT OF DRUGS: 
Sulphonamide drugs and antibiotic  inhibit  their growth by blocking the incorporation of PABA in the synthetic pathway.

·         Higher animals including human beings cannot synthesize folic acid and it has to be supplied in diet. In human beings, intestinal bacteria can synthesize and is a good source.

TYPES OF VITAMIN B9

Folic acid and folate are both terms for a type of vitamin B9. Folate is a B vitamin that occurs naturally in foods such as green leafy vegetables, citrus fruit and beans. Folic acid is man-made  ( synthetic ) folate. It is found in supplements  and added to fortified foods.

CHEMICAL NAME OF VITAMIN B9

( 2S )-2-[ 4-{[( 2-amino-4-hydroxypteridin-6-yl ) methyl ] amino } formamido ] pentanedioic acid

STRUCTURE OF VITAMIN B9

DIETARY SOURCES OF VITAMIN B9

Vitamin B9 is an essential dietary component due to its important role in metabolic functions. B9 is crucial for DNA synthesis , proliferation and recycling of methionine, an amino acid important for protein synthesis.

        Furthermore, it plays a part in several other biosynthetic and catabolic reactions in the body. Vitamin B9 is commonly referred to as folate, which is the generic name for a large number of compounds, and the synthetic  form of B9 is folic acid.

Sources of vitamin B9 include:

·         Liver

·         Dark green vegetables

·         Fortified cereals

·         Bread

·         Chickpeas

·         Orange juice

RECOMMENDED INTAKE OF VITAMIN B9

The recommended daily amount of folate for adults is 400 micrograms ( mcg ). Adult women who are planning pregnancy or could become pregnant should be advised to get 400 to 800 mcg of folic acid a day.

 

PHYSIOLOGICAL ROLE OF VITAMIN B9

Vitamin B9 help the body convert food ( carbohydrates )  into fuel ( glucose ), which is used to produce energy. Folic acid helps tissues grow and cells work. Vitamin B9 work with vitamin B12 and vitamin C to help the body breakdown, use and create new proteins. It helps to form red blood cells ( helps prevent anemia ).

     Folic acid is crucial for proper brain function and plays an important role in mental and emotional health. It aids in the production of DNA & RNA, the body’s genetic material and is especially important when cells and tissues are growing rapidly, such as infancy, adolescence and pregnancy.

Vitamin B9 control blood vessels of the amino acid homocysteine. High levels of homocysteine are associated with heart disease, however researches are not sure whether homocysteine  is a cause of heart disease or just a marker that indicates someone may have heart disease.

MECHANISM OF ACTION OF VITAMIN B9

Folic acid is required by the body for the synthesis of purines, pyrimidines and methionine before incorporation into DNA or protein.

      In order to function 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 distrupted 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. When used in high doses such as for cancer therapy, or in low doses such as for Rheumatoid Arthritis or psoriasis, Methotrexate impedes the body’s ability to create folic acid. This results in a deficiency of coenzymes and a resultant buildup of toxic substances that are responsible for numerous adverse side effects.

DEFICIENCY DISORDER OF VITAMIN B9

Vitamin B9 is a water-soluble vitamin that’s essential for your health. Your body doesn’t store vitamin B9 so you can become deficient in a matter of weeks. Vitamin B9 deficiency can lead to anaemia and might increase your risk of heart disease. It’s also really important during early pregnancy for a developing baby.

       Signs of deficiency include tiredness, weakness, shortness of breath and difficulty concentrating.

REASON OF DEFICIENCY: 

Anemia is a condition that happens when you don’t have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to your body’s tissues. One reason could be that you don’t have enough hemoglobin to make red blood cells.

SYMPTOMS OF DISORDERS:  

Signs and symptoms of vitamin deficiency anemia include :

·         Fatigue

·         Shortness of breath

·         Dizziness

·         Pale or yellowish skin

·         Irregular heartbeats

·         Weight loss

·         Numbness or tingling in your hands and feet

·         Muscle weakness

·         Personality changes

·         Unsteady movements

·         Mental confusion or forgetfulness

TREATMENT OF DEFICIENCY: 

Folate deficiency anemia is prevented and treated by eating a healthy diet. This includes foods rich in folic acid such as nuts, leafy green vegetables, enriched breads and cereals and fruit. Your doctor will also likely prescribe you a daily folic acid supplement. If your folate levels return to normal, you may be able to stop taking it. But some people need a supplement for life.

Download Free PDF