Safety and fortification with folic acid in neonatal period

Folic acid, the essential vitamin, and its active forms are substantial parts of many biochemical processes in the human body. In the period of rapid growth of organism or in cell growth, body’s demands for folate increase. Its impact in neonatal period varies even in premature newborns. Fortification with folic acid and its substitution in the treatment of anaemia are the important parts in the comprehensive care in premature newborns. To determine optimal dose in this group of patients is difficult. The determination of red blood cell folate concentration levels is the most accurate indicator of long-term folate level status in the body. Unmetabolised folic acid in circulation of newborns could have potentially adverse effects. Toxicity of folic acid is not a concern as folate is water-soluble and easily excreted by kidneys when in excess but on the other side growing organism of preterm newborn and disruption of metabolic balance could be potential risks. doi:10.5219/269