1
|
Fardous AM, Heydari AR. Uncovering the Hidden Dangers and Molecular Mechanisms of Excess Folate: A Narrative Review. Nutrients 2023; 15:4699. [PMID: 37960352 PMCID: PMC10648405 DOI: 10.3390/nu15214699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This review delves into the intricate relationship between excess folate (vitamin B9) intake, especially its synthetic form, namely, folic acid, and its implications on health and disease. While folate plays a pivotal role in the one-carbon cycle, which is essential for DNA synthesis, repair, and methylation, concerns arise about its excessive intake. The literature underscores potential deleterious effects, such as an increased risk of carcinogenesis; disruption in DNA methylation; and impacts on embryogenesis, pregnancy outcomes, neurodevelopment, and disease risk. Notably, these consequences stretch beyond the immediate effects, potentially influencing future generations through epigenetic reprogramming. The molecular mechanisms underlying these effects were examined, including altered one-carbon metabolism, the accumulation of unmetabolized folic acid, vitamin-B12-dependent mechanisms, altered methylation patterns, and interactions with critical receptors and signaling pathways. Furthermore, differences in the effects and mechanisms mediated by folic acid compared with natural folate are highlighted. Given the widespread folic acid supplementation, it is imperative to further research its optimal intake levels and the molecular pathways impacted by its excessive intake, ensuring the health and well-being of the global population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali M. Fardous
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA;
| | - Ahmad R. Heydari
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA;
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Alnabbat KI, Fardous AM, Shahab A, James AA, Bahry MR, Heydari AR. High Dietary Folic Acid Intake Is Associated with Genomic Instability in Peripheral Lymphocytes of Healthy Adults. Nutrients 2022; 14:3944. [PMID: 36235597 PMCID: PMC9571807 DOI: 10.3390/nu14193944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mandatory fortification of food with synthetic folic acid (FA) was instituted in 1998 to reduce the incidence of neural tube defects. Adequate folate status is correlated with numerous health benefits. However, elevated consumption of FA is controversially associated with deleterious effects on health. We previously reported that excess FA mimicked folate depletion in a lymphoblastoid cell line. To explore the impact of FA intake from fortified food, we conducted an observational human study on 33 healthy participants aged 18-40 not taking any supplements. Food intake, anthropomorphic measurements, and blood samples were collected and analyzed. Our results show that individuals belonging to the highest tertile of folic acid intake, as well as ones with the highest folic acid to total folate intake ratio (FAR), display a significantly greater incidence of lymphocyte genomic damage. A decrease in global DNA methylation is observed in the highest tertile of FAR compared to the lowest (p = 0.055). A downward trend in the overall gene expression of select DNA repair and one carbon cycle genes (MGMT, MLH1, UNG, MTHFR, MTR) is noted with increased folate status and FA intake. These results provide supporting evidence that high consumption of FA from fortified foods can precipitate genomic instability in peripheral lymphocyte in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khadijah I Alnabbat
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- Department of Food and Nutrition Sciences, King Faisal University, Al Hufūf 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali M Fardous
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Aiman Shahab
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Andrew A James
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Manhel R Bahry
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Ahmad R Heydari
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dou JF, Middleton LYM, Zhu Y, Benke KS, Feinberg JI, Croen LA, Hertz-Picciotto I, Newschaffer CJ, LaSalle JM, Fallin D, Schmidt RJ, Bakulski KM. Prenatal vitamin intake in first month of pregnancy and DNA methylation in cord blood and placenta in two prospective cohorts. Epigenetics Chromatin 2022; 15:28. [PMID: 35918756 PMCID: PMC9344645 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-022-00460-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal vitamin use is recommended before and during pregnancies for normal fetal development. Prenatal vitamins do not have a standard formulation, but many contain calcium, folic acid, iodine, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamins A, B6, B12, and D, and usually they contain higher concentrations of folic acid and iron than regular multivitamins in the US Nutrient levels can impact epigenetic factors such as DNA methylation, but relationships between maternal prenatal vitamin use and DNA methylation have been relatively understudied. We examined use of prenatal vitamins in the first month of pregnancy in relation to cord blood and placenta DNA methylation in two prospective pregnancy cohorts: the Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation (EARLI) and Markers of Autism Risk Learning Early Signs (MARBLES) studies. RESULTS In placenta, prenatal vitamin intake was marginally associated with -0.52% (95% CI -1.04, 0.01) lower mean array-wide DNA methylation in EARLI, and associated with -0.60% (-1.08, -0.13) lower mean array-wide DNA methylation in MARBLES. There was little consistency in the associations between prenatal vitamin intake and single DNA methylation site effect estimates across cohorts and tissues, with only a few overlapping sites with correlated effect estimates. However, the single DNA methylation sites with p-value < 0.01 (EARLI cord nCpGs = 4068, EARLI placenta nCpGs = 3647, MARBLES cord nCpGs = 4068, MARBLES placenta nCpGs = 9563) were consistently enriched in neuronal developmental pathways. CONCLUSIONS Together, our findings suggest that prenatal vitamin intake in the first month of pregnancy may be related to lower placental global DNA methylation and related to DNA methylation in brain-related pathways in both placenta and cord blood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John F Dou
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lauren Y M Middleton
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yihui Zhu
- Department of Public Health Sciences and the M.I.N.D. Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Kelly S Benke
- Department of Mental Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jason I Feinberg
- Department of Mental Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lisa A Croen
- Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Irva Hertz-Picciotto
- Department of Public Health Sciences and the M.I.N.D. Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Craig J Newschaffer
- College of Health and Human Development, Penn State University, State College, PA, USA
| | - Janine M LaSalle
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology and the M.I.N.D. Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Daniele Fallin
- Department of Mental Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rebecca J Schmidt
- Department of Public Health Sciences and the M.I.N.D. Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Kelly M Bakulski
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Jory J. Red cell folate status among a subset of Canadian children with Down Syndrome post-fortification. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2022; 66:471-482. [PMID: 35266234 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trisomy 21 or Down Syndrome (DS) is associated with altered methylation pathways. Children with DS may therefore represent a population subgroup with vulnerability to increased exposures to folic acid, which is involved in one-carbon metabolism. Folic acid (FA) fortification of flour and maternal FA supplementation are intended to reduce neural tube defects related to folate deficiency. The interventions have been widely successful in Canada. Emerging evidence suggests that higher FA exposures may also have potential negative consequences, including implications for DNA methylation. This retrospective chart review provides insight on the red blood cell (RBC) folate status of a subset of Canadian children and infants with DS, post-fortification. METHODS Children with DS in two Canadian provinces were assessed in the community. Access to RBC folate testing was variable, limiting sample size to 39 (n = 27 for children ≤6 years; n = 12 for children 6-18 years). All children with DS and an RBC folate result were included. The use of FA-containing supplements and formula was documented. RESULTS Among children 6-18 years, 100% had RBC folates >1000 nmol/L, 50% were >2000 nmol/L and 25% had levels above the upper laboratory reporting limit. Among the younger children (<6 years), 52% had RBC folates >2000 nmol and 2 children exceeded 3000 nmol/L. Among exclusively breast-fed infants (<12 months), 100% had RBC folates >1000 nmol/L and 50% had levels >2000 nmol/L, suggestive of in-utero or maternal exposures. RBC folate status among this subset of Canadian children with DS is higher than documented for the larger Canadian population, and higher than among US children with DS. CONCLUSIONS Young Canadian children with DS demonstrated high post-fortification RBC folate status. RBC folate status was higher than reported for the larger Canadian population, and higher than for US children with Down Syndrome. Consumption of folic acid-containing formula and/or supplements was relatively low among these Canadian children with DS, suggesting maternal FA supplements and/or FA-fortified foods may be important etiological factors. A larger, prospective study is needed to validate these results, and to explore potential health implications among this vulnerable population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Jory
- Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, University of Guelph, MacDonald Institute, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Maruvada P, Stover PJ, Mason JB, Bailey RL, Davis CD, Field MS, Finnell RH, Garza C, Green R, Gueant JL, Jacques PF, Klurfeld DM, Lamers Y, MacFarlane AJ, Miller JW, Molloy AM, O'Connor DL, Pfeiffer CM, Potischman NA, Rodricks JV, Rosenberg IH, Ross SA, Shane B, Selhub J, Stabler SP, Trasler J, Yamini S, Zappalà G. Knowledge gaps in understanding the metabolic and clinical effects of excess folates/folic acid: a summary, and perspectives, from an NIH workshop. Am J Clin Nutr 2020; 112:1390-1403. [PMID: 33022704 PMCID: PMC7657327 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqaa259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Folate, an essential nutrient found naturally in foods in a reduced form, is present in dietary supplements and fortified foods in an oxidized synthetic form (folic acid). There is widespread agreement that maintaining adequate folate status is critical to prevent diseases due to folate inadequacy (e.g., anemia, birth defects, and cancer). However, there are concerns of potential adverse effects of excess folic acid intake and/or elevated folate status, with the original concern focused on exacerbation of clinical effects of vitamin B-12 deficiency and its role in neurocognitive health. More recently, animal and observational studies have suggested potential adverse effects on cancer risk, birth outcomes, and other diseases. Observations indicating adverse effects from excess folic acid intake, elevated folate status, and unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA) remain inconclusive; the data do not provide the evidence needed to affect public health recommendations. Moreover, strong biological and mechanistic premises connecting elevated folic acid intake, UMFA, and/or high folate status to adverse health outcomes are lacking. However, the body of evidence on potential adverse health outcomes indicates the need for comprehensive research to clarify these issues and bridge knowledge gaps. Three key research questions encompass the additional research needed to establish whether high folic acid or total folate intake contributes to disease risk. 1) Does UMFA affect biological pathways leading to adverse health effects? 2) Does elevated folate status resulting from any form of folate intake affect vitamin B-12 function and its roles in sustaining health? 3) Does elevated folate intake, regardless of form, affect biological pathways leading to adverse health effects other than those linked to vitamin B-12 function? This article summarizes the proceedings of an August 2019 NIH expert workshop focused on addressing these research areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Padma Maruvada
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Patrick J Stover
- Texas A&M University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University AgriLife, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Joel B Mason
- Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, and School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Regan L Bailey
- Department of Nutrition Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Cindy D Davis
- Office of Dietary Supplements, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Martha S Field
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Richard H Finnell
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Cutberto Garza
- Professor Emeritus, Division of Nutritional Sciences, College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Ralph Green
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jean-Louis Gueant
- University of Lorraine and University Regional Hospital Centre of Nancy, Nancy, France
| | - Paul F Jacques
- Tufts University Friedman School of Nutritional Science and Policy and the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David M Klurfeld
- Department of Nutrition, Food Safety, and Quality, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - Yvonne Lamers
- Food, Nutrition and Health Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | | | - Anne M Molloy
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Deborah L O'Connor
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Irwin H Rosenberg
- Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, and School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Barry Shane
- Department of Nutritional Sciences & Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jacob Selhub
- Tufts University Friedman School of Nutritional Science and Policy and the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Sedigheh Yamini
- Office of Nutrition and Food Labeling, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, US FDA, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Giovanna Zappalà
- Division of Geriatrics and Clinical Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rodríguez-Cano AM, Calzada-Mendoza CC, Estrada-Gutierrez G, Mendoza-Ortega JA, Perichart-Perera O. Nutrients, Mitochondrial Function, and Perinatal Health. Nutrients 2020; 12:E2166. [PMID: 32708345 PMCID: PMC7401276 DOI: 10.3390/nu12072166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are active independent organelles that not only meet the cellular energy requirement but also regulate central cellular activities. Mitochondria can play a critical role in physiological adaptations during pregnancy. Differences in mitochondrial function have been found between healthy and complicated pregnancies. Pregnancy signifies increased nutritional requirements to support fetal growth and the metabolism of maternal and fetal tissues. Nutrient availability regulates mitochondrial metabolism, where excessive macronutrient supply could lead to oxidative stress and contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction, while micronutrients are essential elements for optimal mitochondrial processes, as cofactors in energy metabolism and/or as antioxidants. Inadequate macronutrient and micronutrient consumption can result in adverse pregnancy outcomes, possibly through mitochondrial dysfunction, by impairing energy supply, one-carbon metabolism, biosynthetic pathways, and the availability of metabolic co-factors which modulate the epigenetic processes capable of establishing significant short- and long-term effects on infant health. Here, we review the importance of macronutrients and micronutrients on mitochondrial function and its influence on maternal and infant health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ameyalli M Rodríguez-Cano
- Section for Postgraduate Studies and Research, Higher School of Medicine, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 11340, Mexico; (A.M.R.-C.); (C.C.C.-M.)
- Nutrition and Bioprogramming Department, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Montes Urales 800, Lomas de Virreyes, Mexico City 11000, Mexico
| | - Claudia C Calzada-Mendoza
- Section for Postgraduate Studies and Research, Higher School of Medicine, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 11340, Mexico; (A.M.R.-C.); (C.C.C.-M.)
| | - Guadalupe Estrada-Gutierrez
- Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Research Division; Montes Urales 800, Lomas de Virreyes, Mexico City 11000, Mexico;
| | - Jonatan A Mendoza-Ortega
- Immunobiochemistry Department, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Montes Urales 800, Lomas de Virreyes, Mexico City 11000, Mexico;
- Immunology Department, National School of Biological Sciences, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 11350, Mexico
| | - Otilia Perichart-Perera
- Nutrition and Bioprogramming Department, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Montes Urales 800, Lomas de Virreyes, Mexico City 11000, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|