Fig. 6
From: Folate deficiency as predisposing factor for childhood leukaemia: a review of the literature
Current recommendations for folic acid nutritional requirements per age. The Institute of Medicine (Food and Nutrition Board) determined the recommended daily assumption (RDA) and Estimated Average Requirements (EARs) for folate according to age and status. For infants (0–12 months), adequate intake (AI) is presented instead, as the influence of maternal nutrients can interfere with experimental evidence for RDA and EAR. During pregnancy and lactation, the requirements are higher, as the developing foetus needs high levels of folic acid. At doses above 200 μg, unmetabolised folate is detectable in plasma