Genetic variation: impact on folate (and choline) bioefficacy

Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2010 Oct;80(4-5):319-29. doi: 10.1024/0300-9831/a000040.

Abstract

Folate and choline are water-soluble micronutrients that serve as methyl donors in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine. Inadequacy of these nutrients can disturb one-carbon metabolism as evidenced by alterations in circulating folate and/or plasma homocysteine. Among common genetic variants that reside in genes regulating folate absorptive and metabolic processes, homozygosity for the MTHFR 677C > T variant has consistently been shown to have robust effects on status markers. This paper will review the impact of genetic variants in folate-metabolizing genes on folate and choline bioefficacy. Nutrient-gene and gene-gene interactions will be considered along with the need to account for these genetic variants when updating dietary folate and choline recommendations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biological Availability
  • Choline / blood
  • Choline / genetics*
  • Choline / metabolism*
  • Epistasis, Genetic / genetics
  • Folic Acid / blood
  • Folic Acid / genetics*
  • Folic Acid / metabolism*
  • Genetic Variation / genetics*
  • Homocysteine / blood
  • Humans
  • Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2) / genetics*
  • Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2) / metabolism

Substances

  • Homocysteine
  • Folic Acid
  • Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2)
  • Choline