Vitamin B9

News: Nearly 41 per cent of urban adolescents in government schools across north India suffer from folate or vitamin B9 deficiency, which might be affecting their growth and development, according to a recent study by the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). Vitamin B9

About Vitamin B9

• Vitamin B9 is also known as Folate or folic acid.
• It is a water-soluble vitamin essential for many bodily functions.
• Sources of Vitamin B9: Folate-rich foods which include green leafy vegetables (like spinach and fenugreek), legumes (lentils, chickpeas), citrus fruits, nuts, whole grains and fortified cereals.
  • In cases of poor dietary intake, folic acid supplements can be used.
• Functions:
  • It is needed for red blood cell formation and for healthy cell growth.
  • It is needed by cells to carry oxygen throughout the body.
  • Folate is involved in the synthesis and repair of DNA and RNA, which are the building blocks of genetic material.
  • It aids in the production of red blood cells and development of the central nervous system during early childhood.
• Deficiency and consequences: Its deficiency in foundational years can lead to impaired cognitive development, behavioural issues, fatigue, growth retardation, reduced academic performance and anaemia.
  • If there isn’t enough folate, it can lead to anaemia, when the body lacks enough red blood cells.
• Girls more deficient: Adolescent girls have a higher prevalence of folate deficiency compared to boys, due to increased physiological demands during menstruation and puberty, as well as differences in dietary intake patterns.
  • Folate deficiency in girls can lead to anaemia, decreased stamina and poor concentration.