Active Folate vs Folic Acid: Do you know the difference?

Folate is the natural, metabolically active form of vitamin B9 found in foods, including liver, dark leafy green vegetables, avocados, legumes, and asparagus. It acts as a coenzyme supporting other enzymes in the body and is essential for red and white blood cell production.
By Health First
2 min read
Folate actif vs acide folique : connaissez-vous la différence?

Folate is the natural, metabolically active form of vitamin B9 found in foods including liver, dark leafy green vegetables, avocados, legumes, and asparagus. It acts as a coenzyme supporting other enzymes in the body and is essential for red and white blood cell production.

Folate is important for women's health as it helps break down hormones, aids in detoxification, influences mood, and supports healthy pregnancy. Adequate folate intake at least 3 months before and during early pregnancy can reduce the risk of neural tube defects in infants.

The body must convert folic acid into the metabolically active form of folate, L-methylfolate, before it can be used. Most natural food sources of folate are already in this active form. Methylfolate is the most active form of folate in the body. It is well absorbed and can effectively increase folate levels in the blood.

Folic acid is the synthetic form of vitamin B9 found in many multivitamins, fortified foods, and some pharmaceuticals. The body must convert folic acid into the metabolically active form of folate, L-methylfolate, before it can be used. Most natural food sources of folate are already in this active form.

Excessive folic acid intake can mask a vitamin B12 deficiency by preventing megaloblastic anemia (often the first sign of deficiency). A vitamin B12 deficiency can cause other symptoms like numbness, tingling, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, etc.

Methylfolate supplements do not mask B12 deficiency. Methylfolate supplements are already in the active form and can start working immediately. Folic acid, on the other hand, requires four conversions to reach the active form and relies heavily on individual genetics and other nutrients for effective conversion.

L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate, found in Health First's Active Folate Supreme, is the active form of folate. It is well absorbed and can effectively increase folate levels in the blood. It is essential for supporting the normal early development of the fetal brain and spinal cord and preventing neural tube defects. It is recommended for women of childbearing age to take folate supplements before conception, during the first weeks after conception, and throughout pregnancy.