title: Folate and nutrition.
abstract: The main causes of nutritional folate deficiency are reviewed as well as the consequential effects of this vitamin deficiency; some are well defined such as hematological consequences, others are less known: possible effects on immune and non-immune systems, influence on the central and peripheral nervous system, on the outcome of pregnancy and newborns. This paper emphasizes at-risk physiological and pathological situations of deficiency: pregnancy, premature infants, elderly, alcoholics, patients admitted to intensive care units. In these high risk populations, the benefit of folic acid prophylaxis is raised.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000032:analysis; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood; D005494:Folic Acid Deficiency / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D005492:Folic Acid