Folic Acid VS. Methylofolate

       For years, health professionals have been spouting the wonders of folic acid and the need for it to be taken by all pregnant women. Current research, however, has shown otherwise. Whereas folate is the natural, dietary form of vitamin B9, folic acid is the synthetic form, and is slightly different in its 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. 

          Instead of taking folic acid supplements, try eating it naturally instead. Folate rich foods include, lentils, romaine lettuce, spinach, broccoli, asparagus, and avocados. If you do need to take a supplement, make sure that supplement includes folate or methylfolate 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!