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The relationships between vitamin B12 and folic acid and the effect of methionine on folate metabolism

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Summary

The relationship between vitamin B12 and folate and the effect of methionine on folate metabolism during B12 deficiency in rats is best explained by the prevention of the accumulation of 5-methyl-H4PteGlu by vitamin B12 and/or methionine.

Although several points remain to be clarified, the ‘methyl trap’ hypothesis provides the most satisfactory explanation for the relation between vitamin B12, methionine and folic acid. This concept is extended by the hypothesis that H4PteGlu is the most active substrate for pteroylpolyglutamate synthetase, and thus accounts for the effect of methionine or vitamin B12 in increasing liver folate levels.

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Author notes

  1. Yoon Sook Shin

    Present address: Kinder Klinik der Universität München, Lindwurm str. 4, 8 München 2, F.R. Germany

  2. Karl Ulrich Buehring

    Present address: c/o E. Merck, 8018 Grafing München Im Feld 32, Germany

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of California, 94720, Berkeley, CA, USA

    Yoon Sook Shin, Karl Ulrich Buehring & E. L. R. Stokstad

Authors
  1. Yoon Sook Shin
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  2. Karl Ulrich Buehring
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  3. E. L. R. Stokstad
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Shin, Y.S., Buehring, K.U. & Stokstad, E.L.R. The relationships between vitamin B12 and folic acid and the effect of methionine on folate metabolism. Mol Cell Biochem 9, 97–108 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01732201

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01732201

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