Tag: Trimethoprim

Several common prescription and over-the-counter medications can significantly inhibit your body's ability to properly absorb and use critical nutrients. It is well-documented that several medications interfere with folate absorption, a vital B-vitamin needed for cell growth and DNA synthesis.

Over 200 million people worldwide are prescribed sulfonamide-containing drugs annually for various infections. While these drugs are famous for inhibiting bacterial folate synthesis, certain types and combinations of sulfonamides can indeed cause folic acid deficiency in humans, especially under specific conditions.

Unlike humans, who must obtain folate from their diet, many microorganisms, such as bacteria and protozoa, must synthesize it internally, making their folate pathway a prime target for antimicrobial agents. This article explores what inhibits folate synthesis in various organisms and the mechanisms behind these crucial medical interventions.