FOLIC ACID

FOLIC ACID


FOLIC ACID Folic acid acts as a coenzyme in purine and pyrimidine nucleotide biosynthesis.
Folic acid deficiency produces a megaloblastic anemia.
Defeciency: causes scaly papules and plaques on the face, trunk, and extremities, particularly on extensor surfaces. Stomatitis and glossitis may also develop.
Serum levels of folic acid are low. Prior to treatment with folate, it is important to rule out a coexisting vitamin B 12 deficiency. Otherwise, the folate supplementation will alleviate the megaloblastic anemia, but the neurologic damage (from vitamin B 12 deficiency) will continue to progress