Folate is a critical nutrient (also known as Vitamin B9) that is essential for full and normal brain development and function. Additionally, Folate is needed for neurotransmitter synthesis, DNA synthesis, DNA and Phospholipid methylation, Myelin formation, axonal healing, and synapse formation. These are all vital functions and Folate helps them run efficiently and effectively.
Folate is transported from the circulation to the brain through the high-affinity Folate Receptor A (or alpha; FRA) and the low affinity Reduced Folate Carrier (RFC). Unhindered delivery of Folate to the brain is especially essential for a healthy functioning brain. If not enough Folate is available, then a folate deficiency in the brain can arise. This is a cause for concern.
There are 2 major reasons why not enough Folate reaches the brain in a developing embryo, child or adult:
- Not enough Folate in diet or poor absorption/conversion in the gut.
- Blockage in transporting the Folate from the blood across into the brain.
The most common cause of blockage in transport to the brain is circulating autoantibodies to the FRA. There are at least 2 types of autoantibodies: blocking (directly competing for folate transport) and binding (affect the position or alignment of the receptor).
When present, these autoantibodies impede the proper absorption of Folate (vitamin B9) into critically important tissues such as the brain, placenta, ovaries, among others. Both blocking and binding autoantibodies negatively affect folate absorption, potentially leading to a mode of folate deficiency which may contribute to neuro-developmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorders, cerebral folate deficiency, neural tube defects, subfertility, and pregnancy complications such as miscarriage and pre-maturity.
Folate deficiency in the brain is quite common in children with autism, and a large percentage of these children test positive for the autoantibodies. If a child is on the spectrum or is suspected to have symptoms of Autism, then FRAT® would be highly recommended.
FRAT®, a simple blood test, will confirm the presence of these autoantibodies to the Folate Receptor Alpha, which suggests that not enough Folate is being transported into the brain. It is critical to know if these autoantibodies are present. Insufficient Folate can often be corrected by administering active folate metabolites that bypass the blocked/ binding folate receptors and enter via other receptors such as the reduced folate carrier.
It is highly beneficial to screen for folate receptor autoantibodies through FRAT®, and early testing is strongly suggested.
