ID-Vit® Folic acid direct MTP Assay

Folic acid, a water soluble, light and temperature sensitive vitamin of the B complex
(vitamin B9
), is involved in all growth and development processes of the body. Folic
acid is essential for the formation of red blood cells, for optimal functioning of the
bone marrow and for healthy nerve activity. Moreover, folic acid is essential for cell
division, therefore it is important in foetus development.
Although most plant and animal based foods contain folic acid, a deficiency of folic
acid is the most widespread vitamin deficiency in Europe and North America. According
to information from the German Nutritional Society (Deutschen Gesellschaft
für Ernährung) only one in four Germans absorb sufficient folic acid – the result of
one-sided nutritional habits with little fresh fruit and vegetables. But also age, disease
and the influence of specific medications, e.g. cotrimoxazol, may lead to resorption
disturbances and to an associated deficiency.
Lowered folic acid levels occur because of:
• a decreased supply (e.g. through alcoholism or folic acid antagonists),
• a disrupted resorption (e.g. in celiac disease, CED),
• an increased requirement (e.g. during pregnancy, in anaemic or cancerous
diseases).