Grant: Operating Grant

Folate is a B-vitamin and essential for synthesis of DNA and other critical cell components. Folic acid is the synthetic, highly stable form of folate and thus widely used in food fortification and dietary supplements. Folic acid requires transformation into a biologically active folate form after uptake. Since low maternal folate status was described as risk factor for birth defects such as spina bifida, women of childbearing age are recommended to use folic acid supplements prior to becoming pregnant. In 1998, mandatory food fortification with folic acid was introduced in Canada for population-wide prevention of birth defects. While folic acid fortification successfully reduced the rate of spina bifida, folate status and folic acid intake increased in the entire Canadian population. A high consumption of foods fortified with folic acid and the frequent usage of vitamin supplements led to folic acid intakes in amounts greater than what our bodies can transform into biologically active folate forms. The effect of free folic acid in our circulation and the consequences of high folic acid intake on health and disease have not been fully clarified to date. Some research studies have suggested potential adverse health effects of high folic acid intake. The underlying mechanism for this linkage is hypothesized to be altered DNA formation and stabilization, both essential steps in cell growth. This research aims to investigate the effect of high-dose supplementation with folic acid compared to a naturally occurring folate form on pathways linked to DNA formation. The results will help evaluate current public health policies related to nutrient intake, vitamin supplementation, and food fortification.