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Increase of body temperature and folic acid metabolism

B O Osifo, F A Lukanmbi, J B Familusi

    Acta Vitaminologica Et Enzymologica
    |January 1, 1981
    PubMed

    Insights

    Fever in children significantly alters folic acid (folate) metabolism, decreasing red cell folate and increasing serum folate levels as body temperature rises. This suggests fever disrupts folate stores, potentially impacting growth.

    Area of Science:

    • Biochemistry
    • Pediatrics
    • Nutrition

    Background:

    • Folic acid is crucial for cellular metabolism and DNA synthesis.
    • Fever is a common symptom in children, often associated with various infections.
    • The impact of elevated body temperature on folate metabolism in pediatric populations is not well understood.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the relationship between fever and folate levels in children.
    • To determine if pyrexia affects serum and red blood cell folate concentrations.
    • To explore potential correlations between folate parameters and the underlying cause of fever.

    Main Methods:

    • Serum and red blood cell folate levels were measured in 44 febrile children.
    • Children's ages ranged from 2 months to 9 years.
    • Body temperature and pathological causes (malaria, broncho-pneumonia) were recorded.

    Main Results:

    • A significant reduction in red cell folate was observed as body temperature exceeded 39°C.
    • Serum folate levels showed a steady increase with rising body temperature.
    • No correlation was found between folate levels and the specific pathological cause of fever.

    Conclusions:

    • Elevated body temperature appears to induce a breakdown of folate stores in children.
    • Fever-induced changes suggest a disturbance in folic acid metabolism.
    • The long-term implications of this metabolic disturbance on growing children warrant further investigation.

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