Question

Minerals and vitamins are important nutritional molecules because they function as cofactors for critical enzymes in living systems. Without them, important biochemical reactions required for growth and tissue repair will not occur. Knowing this, explain the biochemical significance of folate and iron supplementation in pregnant women and women of reproductive age. Consider the effects of folate and iron deficiency in such contexts as well. [25 marks]

Answer 1

Vitamins nd minerals are considered as the micronutrients, even if they are micronutrients they had significant role in metabolism of body. Iron and folate are important mineral which had significant role in blood formation.

Iron is an important element for the formation of red blood cells and prevent anemia. Folate also had significant role in blood cell formation and also in protein metabolism.

During pregnancy there is an increased need for iron and folate occur due to the increased blood supply to uterus. The pregnant women need more blood due to the fetal growth, so we need to supplement iron and folate to prevent anemia and to maintain adequate blood volume.

Folate help in increase protein metabolism so the reproductive women get adequate energy and health to produce healthy babies by well egg