Is folate and folic acid the same thing
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Understanding the Differences Between Folate and Folic Acid
Folate and Folic Acid: Definitions and Sources
Folate is a naturally occurring B-vitamin found in various foods, particularly in dark green leafy vegetables. It is an essential micronutrient that plays a critical role in one-carbon metabolism, which is vital for DNA synthesis and repair, as well as amino acid metabolism 12. Humans cannot synthesize folate and must obtain it through their diet.
Folic Acid, on the other hand, is the synthetic form of folate. It is commonly found in dietary supplements and fortified foods. Unlike naturally occurring folate, folic acid is more stable and has a different chemical structure, which affects its absorption and metabolism in the body 23.
Health Implications of Folate and Folic Acid
Folate Deficiency and Health Risks
Folate deficiency can lead to several health issues, including neural tube defects (NTDs) in newborns, cardiovascular diseases, certain types of cancer, and cognitive dysfunction 12. To prevent these conditions, many countries recommend folic acid supplementation, especially for women of childbearing age 2.
Benefits and Risks of Folic Acid Supplementation
Folic acid supplementation is well-established for preventing NTDs when taken during the pre-conception period. However, the benefits of folic acid in treating other diseases remain unclear and sometimes contradictory 2. There are concerns about the potential adverse effects of excessive folic acid intake, such as masking vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms and possible links to cancer risk 3.
Differences in Bioavailability and Metabolism
Natural Folate vs. Synthetic Folic Acid
Natural folate, particularly in the form of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), has several advantages over synthetic folic acid. 5-MTHF is better absorbed, even when gastrointestinal pH is altered, and its bioavailability is not affected by genetic defects or drug interactions. This form of folate also reduces the risk of unconverted folic acid circulating in the bloodstream, which can have negative health effects 1.
Potential Adverse Effects of Excess Folic Acid
Excessive intake of folic acid can lead to unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA) in the bloodstream, which has been associated with potential adverse health outcomes. These include exacerbation of vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms and possible links to cancer and other diseases. However, the evidence remains inconclusive, and more research is needed to fully understand these risks 3.
Conclusion
While folate and folic acid are related, they are not the same. Folate is the natural form found in foods, whereas folic acid is the synthetic form used in supplements and fortified foods. Both are crucial for preventing folate deficiency-related health issues, but they differ in their bioavailability and potential health risks. Understanding these differences is essential for making informed decisions about dietary intake and supplementation.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Folate, folic acid and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate are not the same thing
5-MTHF supplementation offers advantages over synthetic folic acid, allowing for better absorption, reduced drug interactions, and better prevention of folate deficiency.
Literature Review
Highly CitedFolic acid and diseases - supplement it or not?
Folic acid supplementation is well-established for preventing neural tube defects, but its medicinal effects in treating other diseases require further detailed investigations.
Systematic ReviewKnowledge gaps in understanding the metabolic and clinical effects of excess folates/folic acid: a summary, and perspectives, from an NIH workshop.
Excess folic acid intake and elevated folate status may have adverse effects on health, but current evidence is inconclusive and more research is needed to clarify these issues and bridge knowledge gaps.
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedFolates: An Introduction
Folate deficiency can lead to anemia, peripheral neuropathy, and congenital abnormalities in both mother and fetus, and folic acid supplementation during conception can reduce neural tube defects.
Folic acid deficiency and vision: a review
Folic acid (FA), also termed folate, is an essential vitamin for health at all ages since it participates in the biosynthesis of nucleotides, amino acids, neurotransmitters, and certain vitamins. It is therefore crucial for rapidly growing tissues such as those of the fetus. It is becoming clear that FA deficiency and impaired folate pathways are implicated in many diseases of both early life and old age. FA can be transported into the cell by the folate receptor, the reduced folate transporter, and proton-coupled folate transporter. Folate transport proteins are present in certain eye tissues, which explains why FA plays an important role in eye development. The purpose of this literature review is to investigate the evidence relating FA deficiency to eye diseases.
Literature Review
Rigorous JournalFolic acid with or without vitamin B12 for cognition and dementia.
Folic acid supplementation, with or without vitamin B12, may improve cognitive function in elderly individuals at risk of cognitive decline or dementia.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedFolic acid: nutritional biochemistry, molecular biology, and role in disease processes.
Folic acid prevents neural tube defects and lowers homocysteine levels, potentially influencing various diseases and promoting good health.
Highly CitedFolic acid versus 5- methyl tetrahydrofolate supplementation in pregnancy.
Folic acid supplementation during pregnancy is recommended, but 5-MTHF supplementation may be more effective for maternal and fetal health due to its immediate availability and reduced risks in certain conditions.
Very Rigorous Journal