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Katie Stone - Naturopath

Written By:

Katie Stone - Naturopath

Medical Reviewer:

Kari Asadorian - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Edited By:

Jamie Hope - Founder of Methyl-Life

Updated On:

November 15, 2024
0:00 0:00

Table of Contents

    Methylfolate vs. Folic Acid: What are the Differences? (MTHFR Explained) Source: YouTube
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    Folate is an essential vitamin that can be replaced by folic acid in individuals who do not consume enough folate naturally. However, folic acid is not an ideal option for people with MTHFR. Here is an overview of the importance of folate and your options for replacing it if you are not getting enough.

    Folate vs. Folic Acid vs. Folinic Acid

    Folate, folic acid, and folinic acid are all forms of vitamin B9, but they are not exactly the same thing or serve exactly the same purpose. Folate is vitamin B9 in its natural form, while folic acid is a synthetic version of vitamin B9. Folate is found naturally in vitamin-rich whole foods, particularly leafy vegetables, and folic acid is used to add vitamin B9 to processed foods and vitamin supplements.

    Like the seven other variations of vitamin B, vitamin B9 is used to convert food into fuel and support healthy skin, eyes, hair, and blood cells. Folic acid is used to replace folate to obtain these benefits if enough folate cannot be consumed naturally. During pregnancy, some form of vitamin B9 is needed to ensure the baby's proper brain, skull, and spinal cord development to prevent birth defects.

    Folinic acid, as well as methylfolate, is an active form of folate. This means that the body can use folinic acid's nutrients as soon as it is consumed, rather than having to convert it through the liver. Active folates are the most ideal forms of vitamin supplements when the body is not able to efficiently convert or absorb enough of the vitamin on its own.

    Folate vs. Folic Acid vs. Folinic Acid

    Folate, folic acid, and folinic acid are all forms of vitamin B9, but they are not exactly the same thing or serve exactly the same purpose. Folate is vitamin B9 in its natural form, while folic acid is a synthetic version of vitamin B9. Folate is found naturally in vitamin-rich whole foods, particularly leafy vegetables, and folic acid is used to add vitamin B9 to processed foods and vitamin supplements.

    Like the seven other variations of vitamin B, vitamin B9 is used to convert food into fuel and support healthy skin, eyes, hair, and blood cells. Folic acid is used to replace folate to obtain these benefits if enough folate cannot be consumed naturally. During pregnancy, some form of vitamin B9 is needed to ensure the baby's proper brain, skull, and spinal cord development to prevent birth defects.

    Folinic acid, as well as methylfolate, is an active form of folate. This means that the body can use folinic acid's nutrients as soon as it is consumed, rather than having to convert it through the liver. Active folates are the most ideal forms of vitamin supplements when the body is not able to efficiently convert or absorb enough of the vitamin on its own.

    Folate vs. Folic Acid vs. Folinic Acid

    Folate, folic acid, and folinic acid are all forms of vitamin B9, but they are not exactly the same thing or serve exactly the same purpose. Folate is vitamin B9 in its natural form, while folic acid is a synthetic version of vitamin B9. Folate is found naturally in vitamin-rich whole foods, particularly leafy vegetables, and folic acid is used to add vitamin B9 to processed foods and vitamin supplements.

    Like the seven other variations of vitamin B, vitamin B9 is used to convert food into fuel and support healthy skin, eyes, hair, and blood cells. Folic acid is used to replace folate to obtain these benefits if enough folate cannot be consumed naturally. During pregnancy, some form of vitamin B9 is needed to ensure the baby's proper brain, skull, and spinal cord development to prevent birth defects.

    Folinic acid, as well as methylfolate, is an active form of folate. This means that the body can use folinic acid's nutrients as soon as it is consumed, rather than having to convert it through the liver. Active folates are the most ideal forms of vitamin supplements when the body is not able to efficiently convert or absorb enough of the vitamin on its own.

    Key Takeaways

    • Icon Methylfolate helps keep your mind sharp and supports emotional balance by making important brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine.
    • Icon It is key for maintaining a strong heart as you age because it keeps homocysteine levels in check, reducing the risk of heart disease.
    • Icon Taking methylfolate is especially important during stressful times if you're pregnant, have certain genetic variations, are over 50 years old, or are trying to maintain a good mood and cardiovascular health.
    • Icon You can find high-quality methylfolate from reputable sources to add to your diet and support healthy aging.

    When to Prioritize Methylfolate Intake for Supporting Healthy Aging?

    Understanding the optimal times for prioritizing methylfolate supplement intake can significantly enhance your journey toward healthy aging. 

    Here's a detailed list highlighting key moments and situations in life when increasing methylfolate consumption becomes particularly important:

    • Icon During periods of high stress: Stress negatively impacts the body's folate status, depleting its stores. Integrating more methylfolate into your diet can help mitigate these effects, supporting overall well-being.
    • Icon Before and during pregnancy: Given its crucial role in fetal development and the prevention of birth defects, women of childbearing age should ensure adequate intake of methylfolate before conception and throughout pregnancy.
    • Icon Individuals with genetic variations: For those with the MTHFR gene mutation, absorbing standard folic acid from food is less effective. Supplementing with methylfolate directly provides the usable form of this vital nutrient without needing conversion by the body.
    • Icon If experiencing mood fluctuations: Since L-methylfolate is essential for producing mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, its supplementation can support improved mood and emotional stability.
    • Icon When diagnosed with cardiovascular concerns: Methylfolate helps maintain heart health by managing homocysteine levels in the blood, a known risk factor for heart disease, making it a priority for individuals focusing on cardiovascular wellness.
    • Icon Aging adults looking to keep their minds sharp: As L-methylfolate can cross the blood-brain barrier, it supports cognitive functions, including memory and focus, which are crucial for healthy aging.

    When to Start Methylfolate Supplementation to Support Healthy Aging?

    To support healthy aging, it's recommended to start methylfolate supplementation at the following stages of pregnancy:

    • Icon During preconception and pregnancy to support fetal development and reduce the risk of neural tube defects.
    • Icon In cases of genetic variations affecting the MTHFR enzyme, which may hinder the conversion of folic acid into its active form.
    • Icon When individuals have symptoms or medical conditions linked to folate deficiency, such as anemia, fatigue, or mood disorders.
    • Icon For adults over 50 years old, it is due to decreased absorption of folic acid from food sources and increased cellular repair and function requirements.
    • Icon When taking medications that interfere with folate metabolism, such as certain anticonvulsants, oral contraceptives, or methotrexate for autoimmune conditions.
    • Icon For individuals with a history of alcoholism, as alcohol can deplete folate levels in the body.
    • Icon When following a vegan or vegetarian diet, these dietary patterns may lead to reduced intake of natural sources of folate.
    • Icon As part of a comprehensive approach to maintain cardiovascular health by supporting healthy homocysteine levels.
    Folic Acid Chemical Formula on Blue Medical Background with Molecules

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why do we need methylfolate for healthy aging?

    As our bodies age, maintaining brain health becomes crucial. Methylfolate helps prevent adverse effects associated with aging by supporting brain function and promoting cardiovascular health since it actively breaks down homocysteine, an amino acid linked to heart problems.

    How does methylfolate differ from folic acid found in fortified foods?

    Unlike folic acid -- a synthetic form added to fortify foods which some people struggle to convert into its active form due to genetic factors like methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) mutations -- methylfolate is readily usable by the human body without needing conversion.

    Can children benefit from taking supplements containing L-methylfolates instead of consuming fortified foods alone?

    Yes! Children can particularly benefit from L-methylfolates supplementation because it ensures they receive the most bioavailable form directly rather than relying on their body’s ability to convert less efficient forms from fortified foods, vitamins, or other ingredients into what their growing bodies need.

    References

    1. Menezo Y, et al. “Methylation: An Ineluctable Biochemical and Physiological Process Essential to the Transmission of Life.” Int J Mol Sci. December 2020.

      https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7730869/

    2. “What is Epigenetics?” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. August 2022.

      https://www.cdc.gov/genomics/disease/epigenetics.htm

    Katie Stone - Naturopath

    About the Author

    Katie is a qualified Naturopath (BNatMed) and freelance writer from New Zealand. She specializes in all things health and wellness, particularly dietary supplements and nutrition. Katie is also a dedicated runner and has completed more half-marathons than she can count!

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