Folate & B12 / Absorption
Absorption of Folate and Vitamin B12
FOLATE
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found in green, leafy vegetables, dried beans and peas, sunflower seeds and citrus fruits, as well as yeast, liver and kidney
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also found in fortified cereal products (breads, flours, corn meals, pastas, rice)
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absorbed from the small intestine
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a relatively small quantity is stored in the liver, and there is a high daily requirement à only ~ 1-6 month supply
VITAMIN B12
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original source is bacteria, but most is obtained from animal products or fortified foods in the diet where it is bound to proteins
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absorption requires acidic pH and intrinsic factor (which is made by the stomach)
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occurs via a specific transport system in the small intestine
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~5 year supply is stored in the liver (so deficiency is rare, except in the elderly)