Folic acid

# What is folic acid? Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is a water-soluble member of the B vitamin family and plays a crucial role in cell division and all growth and development processes in the body. It is also essential for DNA synthesis and cell regeneration. Folic acid is particularly important during pregnancy and in childhood. For this reason, pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to carefully monitor their folic acid levels and use supplements if necessary. Folic acid also plays an important role in blood formation and homocysteine metabolism. A folic acid deficiency can lead to anemia, developmental disorders during pregnancy, neurological disorders (depression etc...), exhaustion, mood swings and concentration problems. ## Examples of foods rich in folic acid: > ## Good to know > >- If contraception is used, the need for many B vitamins, as well as folic acid, is generally increased. The contraceptive pill inhibits the utilization of folic acid and is considered a "folic acid robber". >- Women who wish to have children are recommended to take a folic acid supplement before stopping the pill. Without a supplement, it can take up to six months for folic acid levels to normalize after stopping the pill. >- Folic acid is sensitive to heat and light. # What does genetics have to do with it? We are investigating three key genes that influence folic acid metabolism: The MTHFR gene (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene) carries the blueprint in cells for the enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, which in turn converts folic acid into its active form, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate. There are several known variants in the MTHFR gene that can influence the activity of the enzyme. - Variant rs1801133 of the MTHFR gene: The genotype G/A shows an enzyme activity of only 65% and consequently a low level of active folic acid. The consequences are comparable to a folic acid deficiency. - Variant rs1801133 of the MTHFR gene: The genotype A/A shows an enzyme activity of only 10-20% and consequently a strongly reduced level of active folic acid. The consequences are comparable to a folic acid deficiency. The MYT1L gene (Myelin Transcription Factor 1-Like Gene) carries the blueprint for the protein MYT1L in the cells, whose most important function is the myelination of nerve fibres. Myelin is a protective layer of high-quality fats that surrounds our nerve fibers like cable insulation. This enables efficient transmission of nerve impulses and is crucial for the normal functioning of the brain and spinal cord. Interestingly, studies have found a link between variants of the MYT1L gene and folic acid levels. - Variant rs12611820 of the MYT1L gene: The G/G genotype shows a greatly reduced folic acid level. The T/G genotype shows a reduced folic acid level. The T/T genotype shows a normal folic acid level. The MTRR gene (methionine synthase reductase gene) carries the blueprint for the enzyme of the same name in the cells, which is involved in the conversion of folic acid into its biologically active form 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) in a similar way to the MTHFR enzyme. Variants of the MTRR gene can impair the activity of the enzyme and thus greatly increase the need for folic acid. - Variant rs1801394 of the MTRR gene. Genotype A/G shows a slightly reduced activity of the enzyme and consequently a low level of active folic acid. The consequences are comparable to a folic acid deficiency. - Variant rs1801394 of the MTRR gene. The G/G genotype shows a strongly reduced activity of the enzyme and consequently a strongly reduced level of active folic acid. The consequences are comparable to a folic acid deficiency.