Folate
Folate, a member of the B-vitamin family, is a group of chemically related vitamins with folic acid activity. Folate participates in several key biological processes, including synthesis of DNA, RNA and proteins. Other symptoms and signs of folate deficiency include: weakness, fatigue, irritability, headache, difficulty concentrating, cramps, palpitations, shortness of breath and inflammation of the tongue. 1
Marginal folate deficiency appears to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancer, Alzheimer's disease and depression.
It is known that alcohol interferes with normal absorption and metabolism of folacin. 2
1 Principles of Nutrition, Eva D. Wilson, Katherine H. Fisher, Pilar A.
Garcia, pp.246
2 PDR for Nutritional Supplements, First Edition 2001, pp 157

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