• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
• /
• v.19 no.4
• /
• pp.247-260
• /
• 2014

The impact of folate on health and disease, particularly pregnancy complications and congenital malformations, has been extensively studied. Mandatory folic acid fortification therefore has been implemented in multiple countries, resulting in a reduction in the occurrence of neural tube defects. However, emerging evidence suggests increased folate intake may also be associated with unexpected adverse effects. This literature review focuses on contemporary issues of concern, and possible underlying mechanisms as well as giving consideration the future direction of mandatory folic acid fortification. Folate fortification has been associated with the presence of unmetabolized folic acid (PteGlu) in blood, masking of vitamin $B_{12}$ deficiency, increased dosage for anti-cancer medication, photo-catalysis of PteGlu leading to potential genotoxicity, and a role in the pathoaetiology of colorectal cancer. Increased folate intake has also been associated with twin birth and insulin resistance in offspring, and altered epigenetic mechanisms of inheritance. Although limited data exists to elucidate potential mechanisms underlying these issues, elevated blood folate level due to the excess use of PteGlu without consideration of an individual's specific phenotypic traits (e.g. genetic background and undiagnosed disease) may be relevant. Additionally, the accumulation of unmetabolized PteGlu may lead to inhibition of dihydrofolate reductase and other enzymes. Concerns notwithstanding, folic acid fortification has achieved enormous advances in public health. It therefore seems prudent to target and carefully monitor high risk groups, and to conduct well focused further research to better understand and to minimize any risk of mandatory folic acid fortification.

• Journal of the Korean Crystal Growth and Crystal Technology
• /
• v.22 no.6
• /
• pp.274-278
• /
• 2012

$TiO_2$ can be used optically and is applied on many areas such as gas sensor, solar cell and photocatalysis. Electrospun nanofibers have received great interest for development and utilization in some novel applications, such as chemical sensors, dye-sensitized solar cell and photo catalysis. In this study, pure $TiO_2$ and Ga-doped $TiO_2$ nanofibers synthesized by a modified electrospinning method. The Ga doped $TiO_2$ solution is prepared by mixing poly vinyl pyrrolidone, ethyl alcohol, and titanium (IV) isopropoxide. By electrospinning these sols, nanofibers were fabricated. These fibers are heat-treated at $800^{\circ}C$ in air. The prepared pure $TiO_2$ and Ga-doped $TiO_2$ nanofibers samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Raman spectroscopy.