Folic Acid Vs Methylfolate

 Folic Acid VS. Folate

       For years, health professionals have been spouting the wonders of folic acid (the synthetic form of B9). Especially the need for it to be taken by all pregnant women. However, folic acid is a completely man-made supplement found nowhere in nature. It can eventually turn into folate (the natural form of vitamin B9) in the body, but it has to go through an extra step first.

      Folate is the natural, dietary form of vitamin B9 and has a slightly different make-up,  Due to this difference, an extra step by the body is required to convert folic acid into folate as shown by step 1. This step is slow and only so much folic acid can be converted at once. (266 micrgorams to be exact.) 

         The rest of the folic acid is released into the bloodstream as unmetabolized folic acid. So what’s the big deal? Does it matter if you have excess folic acid in your blood. The answer is yes. Unmetabolized folic acid has been shown to promote certain cancers and to decrease the amount of natural killer cells in the body, which are cells that help protect against cancers and viruses. They continue to use it in supplements because it is cheaper and easier to produce that way.

       Instead of taking folic acid supplements, try eating it naturally. Folate rich foods include, lentils, romaine lettuce, spinach, broccoli, brussel sprouts, asparagus, and avocados. 

 If you do want to take a supplement, make sure that supplement says folate, methylfolate, L-methylfolate, or 5-MTHF, (All the same name for natural B9....crazy, I know!) and not folic acid. Your body won’t have to do as much work and you won’t have to risk the unhealthy side effects of unmetabolized folic acid!

yours in health,

dr. samantha boldt