Babies and Folate

This article talks about the importance of folates during early embryogenesis. It is reported that folic acid supplementation in the periconceptional period can protect embryos from malformations. Reasons for this are because folic acid is involved in the embryo's homocysteine- remethylation pathway. Folate deficiency can compromise genomic integrity as well as disrupt the normal methylation states of genes including cell proliferation, cellular differentiation to form tissues, and the migration of cells to their final locations. Overall, the disruption of these fundamental processes lead to and can result in the birth of a malformed infant.

Finnell, R. H.; Shaw, G. M.; Lammer, E. J.; Brandl, K. L.; Carmichael, S. L.; Rosenquist, T. H., Gene–nutrient interactions: importance of folates and retinoids during early embryogenesis. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology 2004, 198 (2), 75-85.

URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0041008X0400050X