Functions: Folic acid is vital for healthy blood cells, the formation
of new body cells and for healthy growth. It plays an important role in the
metabolism of desoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA), the
carriers of genetic information in all living things.
Deficiency: Folic acid deficiency may be the consequence of disease or
treatment with certain drugs and may also occur during pregnancy.
Abnormalities in the production of blood cells are the main clinical sign of
deficiency. The hematological changes associated with folic acid deficiency
are similar to those encountered in vitamin B12 deficiency, and patients are
often deficient in both vitamins. Folic acid reduces the risk of neural tube
birth defects when consumed in adequate amounts by women before and during
early pregnancy. For this reason, the enrichment of cereal products with folic
acid is compulsory in the USA. Folic acid is easily destroyed during prolonged
storage and up to 50% can be lost during cooking. In animals, folic acid
deficiency results in anaemia and impaired reproduction, and bad feathering
and reduced laying performance and hatchability in poultry.
Product forms: DSM Nutritional Products supplies folic acid as a pure
crystalline powder and in a spray-dried form for animal nutrition.
