Fortifying policy with science - the case of folate

Article Abstract:

The controversy surrounding folate's ability to reduce the incidence of neural tube defects in infants presents a unique opportunity for studying how nutritional science can contribute to the development of federal food policy. The issue is very complex and several questions still have to be resolved. These include questions involving the validity of folate fortification of food and the usefulness of health claims on folate and neural tube defects.

Health aspects, Evaluation, Abnormalities, Neural tube, Neural tube defects, Nutrition policy

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Long-term folate deficiency alters folate content and distribution differentially in rat tissues

Article Abstract:

The effects of long-term folate deficiency on folate distribution in various rat tissues were investigated. The results showed that folate deficiency leads to a 60% loss in folate concentration in liver, kidney and spleen tissues. This loss was accompanied by the elongation of the glutamate chains of the folate molecules. However, brain folate distribution and composition was resisistant to changes induced by long-term dietary folate deficiency.

Brain, Kidneys, Kidney, Folic acid deficiency

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Methyl group metabolism in the pancreas of folate-deficient rats

Article Abstract:

A study was done on methyl group metabolism in the pancreas of rats deficient in folate. Folate acts a coenzyme in the metabolism of nucleic and amino acids and it was shown that folate deficiency in rats result to impaired methyl group metabolism accompanied by a corresponding decrease in pancreatic function. This was reflected by a high S-adenosylmethionine:S-adenosylhomocycteine ratio during the progression of folate deficiency.

Research, Rats, Pancreas, Exocrine glands

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