The effect of folic acid supplementation in beta-thalassemia major: a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial

Folic acid is a coenzyme for many important biochemical reactions including synthesis of purines, pyrimidines, and nucleoproteins. The recommended daily allowance of folic acid is 65 – 200 µg/day for infants and children. The recommended dose for deficiency states is 1000 µg/day; the effects of excess amounts of folic acid are unknown. The role of folic acid in preventing progression of arteriosclerosis is rather a new issue. Thrombotic events related to slightly elevated levels of homocystein in adults may be decreased by daily consumption of 1 mg of folic acid together with 5 – 100 mg of pyridoxine.