Folic acid and vitamin B12 are required for DNA synthesis.
Pathophysiology
- Vitamin B12 is a coenzyme for 2 important enzymes responsible for the methylation of DNA, and production of succinyl-CoA.
- Its absorption requires intrinsic factor produced by the parietal cells of the stomach.
- In healthy individuals, stored vitamin B12 can last for up to 2 years before deficiency develops.
- Folate is used for a variety of processes such as single‐carbon reactions, amino acid conversion, and synthesis of purines.
- Folic acid/vitamin B12 deficiency leads to megaloblastic (macrocytic) anemia
- Folic acid deficiency during pregnancy may lead to neural tube defects
- Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause CNS disturbances
- Folic acid analogs such as methotrexate