Dietary supplies of folic acid are in the polyglutamate form which is then converted in the wall of the small intestine to the monoglutamate form before being absorbed into the bloodstream. Folic acid can be chemically synthesized for industrial production. It is involved in the synthesis of nucleic acids, is essential for proper growth. Women of child-bearing years should consider folic acid supplementation to avoid the possibilities of bearing children with neural tube defects 1 and birth defects 2 . Helps prevent spina bifida, cleft palate and cleft lip formation.
Elderly people are deficient in folic acid, either because a poor diet or poor absorption.
Chronic liver disease sufferers and epileptics on sodium phenytoin are deficient in folic acid. 5 Prolonged use of high doses can produce folacin crystals in the kidneys. May cause uricosuria. Bright yellow urine, diarrhea, fever, skin rash. See drug interactions.