When it comes to the health of mothers and their unborn babies, it is essential to make sure they are receiving the right nutrients. Many pregnant women rely on folic acid to help ensure their baby’s development. However, there is another form of folic acid, methylfolate, that has recently been gaining more attention in the medical community. In this blog post, we will examine the differences between methylfolate and folic acid as it relates to pregnancy. We will discuss the benefits of each form of folic acid and how they can be used to maximize the health of expecting mothers and their babies. Additionally, we will explore the potential side effects of taking each form of folic acid and what pregnant women should consider when deciding between methylfolate and folic acid for their pregnancy. With so much at stake when it comes to the health of mothers and their unborn babies, understanding the differences between these two forms of folic acid is crucial.
Other things to considerIt’s also important to note that increased folate intake can mask symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency. As such, it’s good to supplement with vitamin B12, as methylcobalamin, in pregnancy. The body’s demand for vitamin B12, iron, and folate increase in pregnancy, in part because the body has to dramatically increase its production of red blood cells and hemoglobin in a process called erythropoiesis.Now you know why folate is important when TTC or pregnant, and how much to take, what about if you have a troublesome variant of the MTHFR gene?To answer this question, you’ll need to know the difference between folate and folic acid.
Interestingly, results from short-term studies (30-90 days on average) found that people with MTHFR mutations have a detectable and significant increase in levels of circulating un-metabolized folic acid when taking a folic acid supplement.
Folate vs. Folic Acid vs. Folinic Acid Folate, folic acid, and folinic acid are all
Like folate and folic acid, folate and methylfolate are used to obtain similar end goals in slightly different ways. Methylfolate is a reduced form of folate that can be found in certain dietary supplements. This means it’s the already-converted, most active form of folate the body can use. Like folic acid, it also serves as a synthetic replacement for natural folate.
It can be used in a variety of circumstances as a superior folate supplement, as well as a treatment for anemia, depression, diabetes, dementia, and other conditions. Methylfolate is a frequently used alternative to folate in people with MTHFR, a gene mutation that prevents them from effectively converting and utilizing natural folate.
A portion of the enzyme that turns folate and folic acid into folinic acid is produced by the MTHFR gene. After that, folinic acid is transformed into methylfolate, which is used by cells to carry out the functions.
Dr. Chris D. Meletis explains how genetics can determine how well your body metabolizes Vitamin B9
Between 25 and 60 percent of people are thought to have an abnormality in one of their MTHFR genes that impairs their capacity to convert folic acid (the synthetic form of B9) and even some naturally occurring folate in foods into the active form of folate. Consider having your genes checked to see if you have the MTHFR genetic variation if you’re trying to get pregnant. Your ability to make educated decisions about your particular nutritional requirements, such as whether or not to choose prenatal and fertility supplements that contain the active, methylfolate form of folic acid, will be empowered by knowledge.
Both the synthetic form of vitamin B9, folic acid, which is present in a number of vitamin supplements and fortified foods, and the naturally occurring form of vitamin B9, folate, are present in food. The final bioactive form of folate, called L-methylfolate (also known as 5-MTHF), which we consume must be converted by a natural enzyme pathway in our body from both synthetic and the majority of food-derived folate. Once MTHF is produced, this active form of B9 can pass through the blood-brain barrier and enter cells, assisting in the nutrient uptake of our tissues and brains. The MTHFR converting enzyme is necessary for the efficient conversion of folic acid or folate to MTHF.
FAQ
Is methylfolate better than folic acid in pregnancy?
Which is better for pregnancy folate or folic acid?
Can you take methylfolate and folic acid?
Is folic acid and methylfolate the same?