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💀anatomy and physiology i review

Folic Acid

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for proper fetal development. It plays a crucial role in the prevention of neural tube defects and supports various physiological processes during pregnancy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Folic acid is crucial for the proper development of the fetal brain, spinal cord, and other neural tissues during the first few weeks of pregnancy.
  2. Adequate folic acid intake before and during pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida and anencephaly.
  3. The body can convert folic acid into the active form, folate, which is necessary for the synthesis and repair of DNA, as well as the production of red blood cells.
  4. Folic acid supplementation is recommended for all women of childbearing age, even if they are not planning a pregnancy, as neural tube defects can occur before a woman knows she is pregnant.
  5. Certain genetic factors and medical conditions, such as diabetes or obesity, can increase the risk of neural tube defects, making folic acid supplementation even more crucial.

Review Questions

  • Explain the importance of folic acid during fetal development.
    • Folic acid is essential for the proper development of the fetal brain, spinal cord, and other neural tissues during the critical first few weeks of pregnancy. It plays a crucial role in the prevention of neural tube defects, which are serious congenital malformations that can occur when the neural tube fails to close properly. Adequate folic acid intake before and during pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of these devastating conditions, making it a vital nutrient for expectant mothers.
  • Describe the relationship between folic acid, folate, and methylation in the body.
    • Folic acid is the synthetic form of the vitamin B9, while folate is the natural form found in foods. The body can convert folic acid into the active form, folate, which is necessary for various cellular processes, including the synthesis and repair of DNA. Folate is also involved in the methylation process, a biochemical reaction that adds a methyl group to molecules, such as DNA. Methylation is essential for gene expression, cell function, and the production of red blood cells. The interplay between folic acid, folate, and methylation is crucial for maintaining overall health, particularly during the critical stages of fetal development.
  • Analyze the factors that can increase the risk of neural tube defects and the importance of folic acid supplementation for women of childbearing age.
    • Certain genetic factors and medical conditions, such as diabetes or obesity, can increase the risk of neural tube defects. Additionally, neural tube defects can occur before a woman knows she is pregnant, making folic acid supplementation crucial for all women of childbearing age, even if they are not planning a pregnancy. Adequate folic acid intake before and during pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of these devastating congenital malformations, which can have lifelong consequences for the affected individual and their family. By understanding the importance of folic acid and the factors that can increase the risk of neural tube defects, healthcare providers can better educate and support women in optimizing their health and the health of their future children.

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