Folinic Acid
Folinic acid, a nutritional supplement, is a 5-formyl derivative of tetrahydrofolic acid which is readily converted into tetrahydrofolic acid (THF- the active form of folic acid). It therefore has vitamin activity which is equivalent to folic acid. Folinic acid however does not require the action of the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase for its conversion into the active form, unlike folic acid. Folinic acid, therefore, allows for many metabolic processes to occur (see below for details) in the presence of dihydrofolate reductase inhibition which would otherwise be unable to do so if using folic acid.
A genetic defect called MTHFR gene polymorphism is responsible for dihydrofolate reductase malfunction. A simple blood test (called a MTHFR Gene Test) can determine if you carry this faulty gene and thus are unable to convert folic acid into its active THF form. Some researchers believe that up to half of the population may carry this defective gene. Symptoms of this can include weight gain, fatigue and depression. If found to be present it can easily be treated by using folinic acid.
Folate coenzymes are responsible for the following important metabolic functions:
1) Formation of purines and pyrimidines, which in turn are needed for synthesis of the nucleic acids DNA and RNA. This process allows cell replication to occur and is thus essential. This is especially important during fetal development in the first trimester in preventing birth defects, such as neural tube defects,
2) Formation of heme, the iron-containing protein in hemoglobin. This enables oxygen transport throughout the bodyand thus energy production.
3) Interconversion of the 3-carbon amino acid serine from the 2-carbon amino acid glycine.
4) Formation of the amino acids tyrosine from phenylalanine and glutamic acid from histidine.
5) Methylation of homocysteine into the amino acid methionine. Elevated levels of homocysteine have been implicated in a wide range of health disorders including atherosclerosis, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and depression. In the reconversion of homocysteine to methionine the body uses the methionine to make the important amino acid s-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) which is known to be helpful in cases of depression.
6) Synthesis of choline from ethanolamine,
7) Formation and maturation of red and white blood cells, and
Conversion of nicotinamide to N’-methylnicotinamide.
9) The production of certain neurotransmitters such as dopamine, adrenaline and noradrenaline rely on the methylation reaction which is dependant on THF.
10) Energy production also relys on the methylation reaction, and thus THF, and a slow rate of methylation has been linked to chronic fatigue.
Other conditions possibly benefiting from folinic acid supplementation include: AIDS/HIV, celiac disease, cervical displasia, cleft palate, colon cancer, Crohn’s disease, diarrhea, gout, high cholesterol, increased fracture of chromosomes, malabsorption and gastrointestinal inflammation, megaloblastic anemia, restless leg syndrome, postpartum depression, fatigue, weight loss, sprue, ulcerative colitis, and vitiligo.
Numerous drugs are also known to inhibit the body’s ability to utilize folate, including: 1) aspirin, 2) cholesterol lowering drugs, 3) oral birth control pills, 4) antacids, and 5) methotrexate when used for rheumatoid arthritis. When taking these drugs or suffering from the conditions mentioned above it is recommended that you take 800 mcg daily of folinic acid.
The following are possible side effects of Folinic Acid:
* Allergic reactions: rash, itching, facial flushing. Rarely severe.
* Nausea and vomiting (rare)
Patients with epilepsy should avoid high doses of folinic acid as it may increase the incidence of seizures. If you have a known allergy to folic acid then folinic acid should also be avoided.
Folinic acid is available here.
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