[Folate metabolism dysfunction].

This review examines the history of folate, its metabolism and its relationship to drugs and diseases. The scientific interest in folate has been increasing in recent years because of new findings related to its important role in many diseases like macrocytic anemia, congenital malformations, vascular thrombosis, atherosclerotic disease and cancer. The fascinating puzzle of folate is analyzed and the most recent news about folate treatment in patients with chronic renal failure is reported.