B vitamins are known to be “consumables” for most vital processes. And among them there is one that affects the “health” of the DNA itself. Its deficiency is associated with infertility, miscarriage, fetal malformations, thrombosis and many other problems. And, among other things, it is successfully used to treat depression and “skin” problems. So, meet vitamin B9.
DNA health
Folic acid, in the form of tetrahydrofolate, is directly involved in the synthesis of purine, cytosine, uracil and thymine – the “building blocks” of DNA, of which, in different combinations, the entire DNA molecule consists.
With a vitamin deficiency, the renewal, “repair” of DNA and its synthesis for new cells (in the process of division) are significantly disturbed, which is harmful for absolutely all cells of the body, but especially strongly for their rapidly dividing species (blood cells, skin and mucous membranes, spermatozoa, fetal tissue).
Clinically, folate deficiency can manifest itself:
anemia;
a decrease in platelets (clotting) and leukocytes (immunity) in the blood;
deterioration of the skin condition, the appearance of ulcers, acne, dryness, poor healing;
damage to the digestive system (signs of esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus), gastritis, enteritis (inflammation of the small intestine), violation of enzyme synthesis);
infertility;
during pregnancy leads to fetal malformations.
A sufficient level of B9 also prevents the development of oncology by maintaining normal division and blocking mutations.
The already existing tumor cells are distinguished by a special “gluttony” in relation to folates, since they need to divide quickly and uncontrollably. So one of the reasons for persistent B9 deficiency may well be a tumor process.
Stability of the nervous system
In the form of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-mTHF), folic acid potentiates the formation of methion (amino acid) from toxic homocysteine (with the participation of the folate cycle enzymes MTHFR, MTR and MTRR).
Methionine, in turn, is involved in the synthesis of:
choline (responsible for neuroplasticity, normal transmission of nerve impulses, learning, memory),
melatonin (sleep hormone),
excitatory neurotransmitters (norepinephrine, adrenaline).
In some patients, folic acid deficiency is associated with depression and severe neurological diseases (Alzheimer’s disease and others). By the way, folic acid is also involved in the synthesis of glycine, a well-known “soothing” neurotransmitter. Therefore, folate deficiency is also associated with hyperexcitability of the nervous system and mood lability.
Prevention of thrombosis
As noted, folate converts toxic homocysteine to useful methionine. A deficiency of B9 or folate cycle enzymes leads to the accumulation of a harmful compound.
Homocysteine is a toxic product that can damage the vascular wall, in addition, it promotes thrombus formation.
An excess of homocysteine is dangerous for cardiovascular complications (atherosclerosis, thrombosis, stroke, heart attack) and miscarriage (as it “thromboses” the vessels of the placenta and leads to its detachment), as well as hypoxia and fetal death.
To whom – when
Taking vitamin B9 is indicated in the case of:
pregnancy and during preparation for the latter (it is better to start taking it 3 months before planning a pregnancy),
decrease in red blood cells (macrocytic anemia),
skin diseases (including rosacea, dermatitis herpetiformis, psoriasis, acne and others),
chronic inflammatory processes of the digestive system,
depression, memory impairment, learning, mood lability, hyperexcitability and other signs of damage to the nervous system,
tendency to thrombosis,
miscarriages and miscarriages on the background of reproductive health,
increased levels of homocysteine in the blood.
Vitamins should also be “followed” by those who:
smokes and regularly drinks alcohol, since both “products” inhibit the work of enzymes in the folate cycle;
is taking oral contraceptives, anticonvulsants, or barbiturates;
as well as people with liver disease.
In addition, the absorption of folate https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folate is strongly influenced by the condition of the intestinal mucosa. Therefore, intolerance to milk, gluten or other products, chronic enteritis or erosive-ulcerative lesions, as well as a lack of enzymes significantly disrupt the absorption of the vitamin and necessitate its control.
Folate analyzes
As you can see, the “conversion” of folic acid in organisms is very diverse, which necessitates control of the level:
folates themselves – a blood test for vitamin B9 (folic acid), and, in some cases,
homocysteine;
and a blood test for breakdowns in the folate cycle enzyme genes (MTHFR, MTRR, MTR).
And if the B9 deficiency “shows unresponsiveness” to treatment, or its level decreases rapidly after reaching the norm, it is necessary to exclude liver pathology and the presence of tumors.
