Folic acid metabolism in reproduction

Abstract

Folic acid is of key importance for various physiological processes associated with reproduction in both sexes. The proper action of folates in the woman body in the preconception, during the pregnancy and breastfeeding is necessary for the correct fetus and infant development. Those periods are characterized by higher demanded allowances of folic acid. Due to involvement in DNA synthesis and cell division, folic acid is fundamental to rapid cell turnover, including process of embryogenesis and spermatogenesis. The insufficient supply and the disorders of folate metabolism can cause subfertility, pregnancy complications and birth defects. Proper supplementation of folates is an essential element of reproductive healthcare, since nutritional deficits and genetic polymorphisms of folate metabolic pathway are common among population.