The Sound of Evolution
Folic acid
Mechanism of action:
Folic acid is vitamin B₉ and plays an important role in DNA synthesis, cell division, and hematopoiesis. After entering the body, folic acid is first reduced by dihydrofolate reductase into dihydrofolic acid, and then further converted into tetrahydrofolic acid. Tetrahydrofolic acid and its derivatives participate in purine synthesis, thymidylate (dTMP) synthesis, amino acid metabolism, and related pathways.
Reference(s):
1. Kamen B et al. (1997). Folate and antifolate pharmacology. Semin Oncol.
2. Fenech M et al. (1998). Folate, vitamin B12, homocysteine status and DNA damage in young Australian adults. Carcinogenesis.
3. Zittoun J et al. (1993). Anemias due to disorder of folate, vitamin B12 and transcobalamin metabolism. Rev Prat.