Role of folate in diseases

Introduction
Folate is a form of vitamin B present naturally in some foods and also in form of supplements, the coenzyme form is called tetra hydro folate (THF).
Food sources; folate can be gotten from consumption of green leafy vegetable, asparagus, broccoli, oranges, wheat germ, nuts.....
Functions in diseases;
Neural tube defect: brain and spinal cord which develop during the early weeks of pregnancy can have defect in the order of formation which result in various central nervous system disorders. All women who are capable of becoming pregnant should consume 0.4mg of folate daily, this recommendation can be met when a diet which allows 5 serving of fruits and vegetables is encourage daily.
Cardiovascular diseases: an important risk factor among other factors in cardiovascular disease is high homocysteine - low folate level in the body. Accumulation of homocysteine in the body increase the formation of blood clot in the vessels, folate function in breaking down homocysteine and decreases their plasma level. Increased in consumption of folate rich foods can prevent various forms of cardiovascular disease.
Cancer: folate has also proven effective in prevention of colon cancer.

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