FOLATE & FOLIC ACID
You probably read that prenatals should have folic acid but what is the difference between folate and folic acid? And why does it matter?
Folate and folic acid are both forms of vitamin B9, a water-soluble vitamin essential for various bodily functions, including cell division and DNA synthesis. However, there are differences between the two:
Folate:
Natural Form: Folate refers to the naturally occurring form of vitamin B9 found in foods such as leafy green vegetables (e.g., spinach, kale), legumes, citrus fruits, and fortified grains.
Bioavailability: Folate from food sources is readily absorbed and metabolized by the body, making it an efficient way to obtain vitamin B9.
Metabolism: Folate undergoes several metabolic steps in the body to become active, including conversion to its active form, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), which is necessary for cellular functions.
Benefits: Adequate intake of dietary folate is associated with various health benefits, including reducing the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) in newborns when consumed by pregnant individuals.
Folic Acid:
Synthetic Form: Folic acid is the synthetic form of vitamin B9 used in dietary supplements and fortified foods. It is chemically synthesized and more stable than natural folate.
Supplementation: Folic acid is commonly used in prenatal vitamins and supplements to help prevent neural tube defects (NTDs) in developing fetuses when taken by pregnant individuals.
Bioavailability: Folic acid is not biologically active and must undergo conversion to its active form, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), in the body before it can be utilized.
Fortification: Folic acid is added to a variety of foods, such as fortified cereals, bread, and pasta, as part of public health efforts to increase folate intake and reduce the incidence of NTDs.
Key Differences:
Form: Folate is the natural form of vitamin B9 found in food, while folic acid is the synthetic form used in supplements and fortified foods.
Metabolism: Folate is readily metabolized and utilized by the body, while folic acid requires conversion to its active form before it can be used.
Food Sources vs. Supplements: Folate is obtained from dietary sources, whereas folic acid is commonly used in dietary supplements and fortified foods.
Health Benefits: Both folate and folic acid provide health benefits, particularly in reducing the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) in newborns, but they differ in their source and metabolism.
Sources:
National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2021). Folate. sorce
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021). Folic Acid.
Note: The content presented on Labour the App (whether text, graphics, images, or other material) is provided “as is” and is offered for informational purposes only. The content provided on the App is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider. For more information, please refer to our Medical Disclaimer and to our Terms of Use.