12. Describe the relationship between folate and vitamin B12. How is folate related to heart disease?

Answer 1

Do your own homework

I'm sure the answer is in your course notes or the course reading you are supposed to do.

Answer 2

Hi, again, Tom. Folate and B12 are related in what is known as the Folate Cycle.

I don't know how technical you want me to get here. At a basic level, the folate cycle is needed to make methylcobalamin (one of the two active forms of B12 in the body). Methylcobalamin is needed to complete the Methionine cycle by 'remethylating' a molecule called homocysteine.

Homocsyteine can be toxic to the arteries at high levels and it has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Inadequate levels of folate or B12 can lead to elevated levels of homocysteine.

Folate is also a vital component in the pathway that produces Nitric Oxide (NO). NO is a key molecule in the health and function of the arteries. Inadequate levels of folate may impair the ability to produce healthy levels of NO in the arteries, which in turn contributes to the vascular damage associated with heart diseases.

I hope this wasn't too complicated to be helpful. Best wishes.