ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the requirement, status and function of folate in the general population with emphasis on the athlete and exercise performance. Folate is the generic term for a group of derivatives found in plants that have similar chemical structures and properties. The role of folate in anemia is well established. Anemia was the first deficiency symptom associated with the vitamin. The relationship between folic acid and homocysteine has been the focus of considerable research. Homocysteine is an intermediate sulfur-containing amino acid that is formed during normal metabolism and converted to the essential amino acid methionine. The relationship between exercise and hyperhomocysteinemia needs to be explored further and there is a conspicuous need for additional research to determine whether an increase in the consumption of folate beyond the recommendation for the general population will benefit the athlete’s performance or health by reducing elevated serum homocysteine levels.
