Resumo

SUAREZ DE RONDEROS, María del Pilar. Ácido Fólico: nutriente redescubierto. Acta méd. costarric [online]. 2003, vol.45, n.1, pp.05-09. ISSN 0001-6002.

Folate functions as an enzyme co-substrates in biosynthesis of DNA and RNA, in the formation of both red and white blood cells in the bone marrow and for their maturation, and its importance in the embryogenesis, have all been well studied. Folate-responsive homocysteinemia, a condition associated with elevated risk for occlusive vascular disease; and the impaired biosynthesis of DNA and RNA, thus reducing cell division, wich is most apparent in cells with rapid multiplication rates (ephitelial cells of the stomach, intestine, vagina, uterine cervix); are the subjects of this review.

Palavras-chave : Folatos; ácido fólico; homicisteina; enfermedad cardiovascular; enfermedad tumoral.