Folate absorption: physiology and pathology
Audebert, M.; Le Parco, J.C.; Gendre, J.P.
Gastroenterologie Clinique et Biologique 2(3): 309-320
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0399-8320 PMID: 565729 Document Number: 131591
Folate insufficiency, according to this review, is the most common vitamin deficiency in man. Various physiological and pathological conditions in which folic acid deficiency is known to occur are discussed. Malabsorption of folates from the diet are a frequent cause. Folic acid deficiency may also cause nutritional malabsorption. Malabsorption diseases include celiac disease and tropical sprue. Lack of folates may be due to diseases affecting the small intestine, the post-gastrectomy syndrome, intraluminal microbial proliferation due to medical disorders or surgical interventions, congenital malabsorption, pregnancy, alchoholism and malnutrition, malignant disease, use of certain drugs including several antimetabolites.