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Diet
& Nutrition Folate
What
is Folate?
Folate (otherwise known as folacin and
sometimes referred to as vitamin B9) are the names used to describe a
group of compounds which are similar to Folic Acid. The word 'folate'
derives from the latin 'folium' ('a leaf'). It was first discovered in
1946 to be important in the prevention and treatment of anaemia.
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Function
- Plays an essential role in the
formation of DNA & RNA
- Assists function of vitamin B12
- Assists formation of 'haem' (the
iron content of haemoglobin')
- Necessary for the formation of
red and white blood cells
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Signs
of deficiency
- Loss of appetite
- Anaemia
- Mental confusion
- Hair loss
- Poor growth
- Fatigue
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Notes
Easily destroyed by exposure to air.
Therefore, raw, fresh foods provide highest and best quality sources.
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This page was last updated on 25 October 2006 15:44:33
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