Ebara Shuhei
School of Human Science and Environment, University of Hyogo, Himeji, Hyogo, Japan.
Congenit Anom (Kyoto). 2017 Sep;57(5):138-141. doi: 10.1111/cga.12233. Epub 2017 Jul 25.
Folate functions as a coenzyme to transfer one-carbon units that are necessary for deoxythymidylate synthesis, purine synthesis, and various methylation reactions. Ingested folate becomes a functional molecule through intestinal absorption, circulation, transport to cells, and various modifications to its structure. Associations between nutritional folate status and chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and cognitive dysfunction have been reported. It has also been reported that maternal folate nutritional status is related to the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) in the offspring. It has also been recommended that folate be consumed in the diet to promote the maintenance of good health. To reduce the risk of NTDs, supplementation with folic acid (a synthetic form of folate) during the periconceptional period has also been recommended. This paper describes the basic features and nutritional role of folate.
叶酸作为一种辅酶，可转移脱氧胸苷酸合成、嘌呤合成及各种甲基化反应所需的一碳单位。摄入的叶酸通过肠道吸收、循环、转运至细胞以及对其结构进行各种修饰后成为功能性分子。已有报道称营养性叶酸状态与心血管疾病、癌症和认知功能障碍等慢性疾病之间存在关联。也有报道称母亲的叶酸营养状态与后代神经管缺陷（NTDs）的风险有关。还建议通过饮食摄入叶酸以促进维持良好健康状态。为降低神经管缺陷的风险，也建议在受孕前后期间补充叶酸（叶酸的一种合成形式）。本文描述了叶酸的基本特性和营养作用。
