HEALTH OF WOMAN. 2020.4(150): 37–42; doi 10.15574/HW.2020.150.37
Khaitovich M. V.
Bogomolets National Medical University, Kiev

Folates (folic acid-based chemical compounds) got their name from the Latin “folio” – “leaf”, since they were first synthesized from spinach leaves, in which vitamin B9 is found in maximum quantities. As an important cofactor in carbon metabolism, folates are involved in the most important metabolic processes in the body, in particular, they play a key role in the synthesis of nucleotides and DNA replication.
The article provides information on the physiological role of folates, their metabolism and its genetic aspects. The clinical significance of folate deficiency is examined, their sources and doses are described, and the interaction of folic acid and drugs is highlighted.
Keywords: folate, metabolism, folic acid deficiency, pregnancy.

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