Abstract
Folic acid is one of water soluble vitamins. It plays an important role in metabolism of aminoacids, nucleic acids, phospholipids and in blood production; it has influence on homocysteine metabolism too.
It is important for normal development of the neural tube in embryos and it reduces the incidence of other inborn defects. Possibilities of its preventive effect on cardiovascular disease, some cancers and possibly on improvement of cognitive functioning, are being considered.
Folic acid saturation of population is deficient. Improvement is possible by means of increased consumption of folic acid rich foods and supplementation in the form of mono or multi-vitamin preparations.