GLOSSARY

Vitamin B9 (Folate) is the vitamin family supporting one-carbon transfer for DNA synthesis, cell division and blood formation.

Include legumes and leafy vegetables in athletes' meals; a blood-building supplement is not chosen without identifying the cause of anemia.

Folates transfer one-carbon units, support genetic-material synthesis and cell division, and matter for blood formation and tissue growth. Tetrahydrofolate underlies several related coenzymes; 5-MTHF is one form. Choosing an active-labelled form does not address every cause of anaemia. Folate, iron and B12 have connected but non-interchangeable roles rather than one shared treatment function.

Leafy greens, pulses and some fortified foods provide folate, with prolonged cooking or storage potentially reducing content. Serum folate reflects recent intake more strongly, while red-cell folate covers another timescale. Neither alone identifies every cause of fatigue or anaemia. Dietary history, B12 status and other findings remain necessary to interpret a result rather than equating intake with functional recovery.

Natural food folate and folic acid in fortification or supplements differ in bioavailability; DFE supports comparison. Commonly, 1 microgram DFE equals 1 microgram food folate or about 0.6 micrograms folic acid consumed with food. Fasting uses another factor. Folic-acid mass, DFE and serving size therefore require the stated consumption basis rather than being treated as identical numbers.