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Functional Medicine - Focusing on The Root Cause of Disease

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Let's talk folic acid!

September 30, 2019

Let's talk folic acid!

Folic acid IS NOT your friend!​

Let's clear up some confusion: Folic acid IS NOT the same thing as folate and should NEVER be used as an equivalent. ​


Let’s Talk About Folic Acid!

Folic acid fortification was heavily implemented in 1998. Thank goodness it's 2019 and we now know better! The thing I love about science is it's ALWAYS evolving, it's constantly changing. If it wasn't, we would still be practicing bloodletting or performing lobotomies for mental illness. 

Folic acid is what we’re supposed to take while pregnant, right? WRONG! Folic acid is not the same thing as folate. If you are pregnant, please look on your prenatal bottle and make sure you are taking folate.


Folic Acid Vs. Folate:

  • Folic acid (pteroylmonoglutamate): is the man-made version of B9 found in supplements and fortified foods-
  • Requires multiple conversions by the body to achieve 5-MTHF status
  • Two of these steps involve dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) which can easily become saturated at high folic acid dosages
  • Exists in the oxidized form and only has only one conjugated glutamate residue
  • Higher bioavailability than natural folates- readily absorbed across the intestines
  • Folate receptor has a higher affinity for folic acid than for 5-MTHF
  • Theoretically this may impair transport of active folate through the body and across the blood-brain barrier
  • Folate: is the natural form of B9 found in leafy vegetables and legumes-
  • Requires fewer steps to achieve 5-MTHF
  • Is in the reduced form and is polyglutamated


What does this mean? Folic acid can inhibit transport of the necessary active folate across the blood-brain barrier where we need it to be able to support reductions in neuroinflammation.

Has your doctor suggested folic acid? ​Do you have questions on what prenatal you should be taking? Please, contact us today!


Let's get back to health,
​Dr. Taryn

https://www.stittleburgrhc.com/lets-talk-prenatal-supplementation


References:
Dr. Valerie Ferdinand, ND Functional Medicine University
Pietzrik K et al. Folic acid and L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate. Clin Pharmacokinet. 2010; 49(8):535-548. Choi JH et al. Contemporary issues surrounding folic acid fortification initiatives. Prev Nutr Food Sci. 2014; 19(4):247-260.
Smith AD et al. Is folic acid good for everyone? Am J Clin Nutr. 2008; 87:517-33. Bailey RL et al. Serum unmetabolized folic acid in a nationally representative sample of adults > 60 years of age in the United States, 2001-2001. Food & Nutrition Research. 2012; 56:5616.

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