Folate: sources, production and bioavailability

"Folate" is a generic term for forms of Vitamin B9 and their derivatives. Initially detected in brewer's yeast and isolated from spinach, folates play a vital role in body functions like nucleic acid synthesis and RBC formation. Natural folates are preferable over synthetic forms since they have lesser side effects and are body-own forms; and also the metabolism of synthetic folic acid is very individual specific. Some physiological conditions like sickle cell disease and renal dialysis might increase cellular folate requirements. Folate deficiency must be treated considering its metabolic inter-relationships with vitamin B12 and choline. The present review focuses on natural and synthetic folate sources, microbial production and bioavailability.