Folic acid, or folates are available from a large variety of sources, such as green leafy vegetables (spinach, beans) and liver. The importance of folates is based on their requirement as coenzymes in the transfer and utilization of one-carbon units in a variety of biosynthetic reactions. Folate is an essential cofactor for the de novo biosynthesis of purine nucleotides and thymine, thus influencing RNA and DNA synthesis. Therefore, during periods of rapid cell regeneration and growth, such as pregnancy and infancy, increased amounts of folate are required.
