Folic acid supplementation is an economic and efficient therapy against the oxidative damage in lipids and mainly in DNA stability caused by binge drinking during adolescence. It has also been demonstrated that folic acid increases GSH levels, improving the antioxidant status and revealing a hepatoprotective effect during binge drinking. Topic:
Full Answer
What is the role of folic acid in alcohol abuse?
There’s a lot of scientific research that supports the use of folic acid supplementation for alcoholics: Chronic alcohol consumption leads to folic acid deficiency and increased folate excretion in the urine ( source) Folic acid deficiency accelerates alcohol-induced liver damage by lowering antioxidant defenses ( source)
How much folic acid should an alcoholic take?
Abstract. It is common practice for emergency physicians to provide i.v. vitamin replacements for alcoholics who present to the emergency department (ED). This article describes vitamin deficiencies in alcoholics and reviews the utility and utilization of vitamins in the emergency department. We conclude that the current data do not support the ...
What is folic acid used for?
Role of Folic Acid According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, folic acid plays a role in blood cell formation. A poor diet and damaged digestive system lead to a deficiency in folic acid and a form of anemia. Megaloblastic or macrocytic anemia can occur due to enlarged blood cells that have not divided properly.
What is folic acid injection?
uration of certain blood cells. Folic acid deficiency can lead to changes in blood cells, including a form of anemia. Patients undergoing AW should be adminis-tered an oral multivitamin formula containing folic acid for a few weeks. Thiamine plays an essential role in the body’s energy metabolism. Thiamine deficiency in alcoholics is a factor in the development of Wernicke syn-
What is folic acid?
Folic acid is a B-complex vitamin, a water-soluble vitamin primarily found in fortified foods and vitamin supplements. It is not a vitamin inherently found in most foods, and your body does not manufacture it.
Is folic acid a vitamin?
It is not a vitamin inherently found in most foods, and your body does not manufacture it. Folic acid is a stable form of folate, which is inherent in food and the body. Folate is an important nutrient needed for metabolism of critical enzymes and amino acids that is sometimes missing in alcoholics.
Who is Linda Ray?
Linda Ray is an award-winning journalist with more than 20 years reporting experience. She's covered business for newspapers and magazines, including the "Greenville News," "Success Magazine" and "American City Business Journals.".
Is folic acid a B complex?
Folic acid is a B-complex vitamin, a water-soluble vitamin primarily found in fortified foods and vitamin supplements. It is not a vitamin inherently found in most foods, and your body does not manufacture it. Folic acid is a stable form of folate, which is inherent in food and the body. Folate is an important nutrient needed for metabolism ...
Can alcohol withdrawal cause seizures?
In many cases, you must be hospitalized during this time, according to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Complications from alcohol withdrawal can lead to seizures and delirium tremors.
What is the role of folic acid in blood cells?
According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, folic acid plays a role in blood cell formation. A poor diet and damaged digestive system lead to a deficiency in folic acid and a form of anemia.
Does folic acid help with anemia?
In addition to treating your anemia, folic acid supplements also can reduce your risk of developing breast and colon cancer and heart disease. When combined with a healthy diet, a multivitamin containing 400 mcg of folic acid is sufficient. Advertisement.
Does folic acid affect liver function?
Folate deficiency favors the progression of liver disease through mechanisms that include its effects on methionine metabolism with consequences for DNA synthesis and stability and the epigenetic regulation of gene expression involved in pathways of liver injury.
What is the cause of alcoholic liver disease?
Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is typically associated with folate deficiency, which is the result of reduced dietary folate intake, intestinal malabsorption, reduced liver uptake and storage, and increased urinary folate excretion. Folate deficiency favors the progression of liver disease through mechanisms that include its effects on methionine ...
Is alcoholism a liver disease?
Chronic alcoholism and liver disease. Although the prevalence of ALD has been stable over the last 10 years [1], alcohol remains one of the major etiologies of cirrhosis and liver disease- related mortality in United States and in European countries [2–4] with an overall U.S. mortality of 9.6 in 100,000 persons.
Which organ stores folate?
The liver is the major storage organ for folate, which undergoes several reactions before exit to both the biliary and systemic blood circulation (Figure 1). 5-MTHF crosses the basolateral membranes of hepatocytes after its transport through the intestine to the portal vein.
What are the causes of ALD?
The several mechanisms for altered methionine metabolism as a cause of ALD include defective DNA synthesis and stability and the reduced methylation capacity on the expressions of genes related to liver injury.
What is folic acid used for?
As a medication, folic acid is used to treat folic acid deficiency and certain types of anemia (lack of red blood cells) caused by folic acid deficiency. Folic acid is sometimes used with other medications to treat pernicious anemia. Folic acid used alone will not treat pernicious anemia and other anemias not related to Vitamin B12 deficiency.
Why is folic acid important?
Folic acid helps your body produce and maintain new cells, and also helps prevent changes to DNA that may lead to cancer. As a medication, folic acid is used to treat folic acid deficiency and certain types of anemia (lack of red blood cells) caused by folic acid deficiency. Folic acid is sometimes used with other medications to treat pernicious ...
What are the side effects of folic acid?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to folic acid: hives, rash, itching, skin redness; wheezing, difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Common folic acid side effects may include: nausea, loss of appetite; bloating, gas, stomach pain;
What is the best vitamin for cancer?
Folic acid is a type of B vitamin that is normally found in foods such as dried beans, peas, lentils, oranges, whole-wheat products, liver, asparagus, beets, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and spinach. Folic acid helps your body produce and maintain new cells, and also helps prevent changes to DNA that may lead to cancer.
Can folic acid be used for pernicious anemia?
Folic acid is sometimes used with other medications to treat pernicious anemia. Folic acid used alone will not treat pernicious anemia and other anemias not related to Vitamin B12 deficiency. Take all of your medications as directed.
Can you take folic acid while pregnant?
Talk to your doctor about taking folic acid during pregnancy or while breast-feeding. Folic acid is sometimes used in combination with other medications to treat pernicious anemia. Follow all directions on your medicine label and package.
Does methotrexate lower folate levels?
You should take folic acid with methotrexate to help prevent a folate deficiency.
What is the purpose of folate?
In man, an exogenous source of folate is required for nucleoprotein synthesis and maintenance of normal erythropoiesis. Folic acid, whether given by mouth or parenterally, stimulates specifically the production of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in persons suffering from certain megaloblastic anemias.
What is the parenteral administration of IM?
Parenteral Administration: Intramuscular (IM), intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous (SC) routes may be used if the disease is exceptionally severe or if gastrointestinal absorption may be, or is known to be, impaired.
Is USP effective for megaloblastic anemia?
Folic Acid Injection, USP alone is effective in the treatment of megaloblastic anemias due to a deficiency of folic acid as may be seen in tropical or nontropical sprue, in anemias of nutritional origin, pregnancy, infancy or childhood.
What is USP in injection?
Folic Acid Injection, USP is a sterile, nonpyrogenic solution of sodium folate (prepared by the addition of sodium hydroxide to folic acid) in Water for Injection, USP intended for intramuscular (IM), intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (SC) use.
What is the best vitamin for alcoholism?
Vitamin B supplementation helps in alcoholism by reducing withdrawal symptoms and promoting detoxification. It aids in prevention and treatment of alcoholic liver disease. B complex also helps reduce mood-related symptoms and can speed up recovery from alcoholism.
Why is alcohol a B complex?
B complex deficiency in alcoholism primarily arises due to malnutrition or intake of a diet deficient in necessary vitamins and minerals. Additionally, alcohol consumption exacerbates the effect of a poor diet and reduces absorption of B vitamins.
What are the functions of B vitamins?
B vitamins participate in various activities related to brain function such as: 1 Synthesising neurotransmitters 2 Maintaining structure and function of cell membranes in neurons 3 Maintaining antioxidant status 4 Regulating the interaction with the nervous and immune system 5 Reducing inflammation in the brain 6 Influencing cognition and mood
Is Benfotiamine a B1 supplement?
B1 supplementation in alcoholism is recommended as a preventive measure for this condition. Benfotiamine is a synthetic analogue of vitamin B1 and has better bioavailability than B1.
What is carbon metabolism?
One carbon metabolism is a biochemical pathway that is involved in the production of amino acids and raw materials for our genetic matter. This pathway impacts our methylation status or DNA methylation process which controls our genetic expression.
What causes high homocysteine levels?
Alcoholism causes vitamin B6, B12 and folate deficiency. These deficiencies impair the one-carbon pathway and cause an increase in homocysteine levels. The condition involving high homocysteine levels is referred to as hyperhomocysteinemia. High homocysteine levels are a marker of poor heart health.
Does vitamin B affect homocysteine?
Quick Gist: Deficiency of vitamin B can cause an increase in homocysteine levels. High homocysteine levels can impair liver, brain and heart health in alcoholic patients.
What are the symptoms of folic acid?
Nausea. Loss of appetite. Confusion. Irritability. Sleep pattern disturbance. People with allergies might have a reaction to folic acid supplements. Warning signs of an allergic reaction include: Skin rash. Itching.
Is folic acid good for dementia?
Some evidence suggests that folic acid might be helpful in treating depression. Dementia. There isn't enough evidence to support folic acid supplementation for the prevention of dementia.
Why is folic acid important for pregnancy?
The nutrient is crucial during early pregnancy to reduce the risk of birth defects of the brain and spine.
What is the best vitamin for red blood cells?
Folate (vitamin B-9) is important in red blood cell formation and for healthy cell growth and function. The nutrient is crucial during early pregnancy to reduce the risk of birth defects of the brain and spine. Folate is found mainly in dark green leafy vegetables, beans, peas and nuts. Fruits rich in folate include oranges, lemons, bananas, ...
What fruits are rich in folate?
Fruits rich in folate include oranges, lemons, bananas, melons and strawberries. The synthetic form of folate is folic acid. It's in an essential component of prenatal vitamins and is in many fortified foods such as cereals and pastas. A diet lacking foods rich in folate or folic acid can lead to a folate deficiency.
What is the synthetic form of folate?
The synthetic form of folate is folic acid. It's in an essential component of prenatal vitamins and is in many fortified foods such as cereals and pastas. A diet lacking foods rich in folate or folic acid can lead to a folate deficiency. Folate deficiency can also occur in people who have conditions, such as celiac disease, ...
Is folate a prenatal vitamin?
A diet lacking foods rich in folate or folic acid can lead to a folate deficiency.