Folate, or vitamin B9, is a crucial nutrient necessary for developing red and white blood cells, DNA synthesis, and multiple metabolic reactions. Its deficiency can lead to various health conditions, such as megaloblastic anemia, birth defects, cognitive impairment, and increased cancer risk.
Certain lifestyle factors, diseases, and medications can contribute to low folate levels, which can disrupt metabolic processes and lead to various health problems, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive dysfunction.
High folate levels can indicate pernicious anemia, B12 deficiency, or a recent blood transfusion. Supplemental folate often comes in the form of folic acid, a synthetic form, which, if taken excessively, can mask a B12 deficiency and potentially promote certain cancers.
Therefore, the 5-MTHF form of folate, which does not mask B12 deficiencies, is often recommended. Despite fortification efforts, folate insufficiency remains one of the most common nutrient deficiencies.
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