Folate vs. Folic Acid: The Core Distinction
Folate and folic acid are both forms of Vitamin B9, an essential nutrient vital for DNA creation, red blood cell formation, and proper cell division. However, their origins and how the body processes them are fundamentally different. Folate is the natural form of B9 found in a wide variety of foods, such as leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, and legumes. It is a group of related compounds that are readily absorbed and converted by the body into its active form, 5-MTHF (methylfolate).
Folic acid, on the other hand, is the synthetic, oxidized version of B9 that is not naturally found in food. It is the form most commonly added to fortified foods like breakfast cereals and white flour, and used in many dietary supplements due to its stability. The body must metabolize folic acid through a multi-step enzymatic process to convert it into the active methylfolate. This conversion process can be slow and inefficient for some people, potentially leading to unmetabolized folic acid circulating in the bloodstream.
Wild Nutrition's 'Food-Grown' Approach to Folate
Wild Nutrition explicitly states that their supplements use natural folate, not synthetic folic acid. Their unique Food-Grown® process involves bonding nutrients to live, whole-food yeast cultures. This proprietary method creates a nutrient-rich supplement that the body recognizes and absorbs more effectively because it's in a form closer to nature.
For their Vitamin B9, this process yields a naturally occurring, biologically active form of folate. This is a key differentiator, particularly for individuals with certain genetic polymorphisms, such as the MTHFR gene variant, which affects the body's ability to efficiently convert synthetic folic acid into its active form. By providing the methylated folate directly, Wild Nutrition bypasses this conversion bottleneck, ensuring the nutrient is readily available for use by the body's cells.
The Importance of Bioavailability and the MTHFR Gene
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Bioavailability: This term refers to the proportion of a nutrient that is absorbed and utilized by the body. The Food-Grown® folate used by Wild Nutrition is more bioavailable than synthetic folic acid. This means the body can more easily recognize, digest, and absorb it.
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MTHFR Gene: A significant portion of the population carries a genetic variant of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene, which can impair the body's ability to activate synthetic folic acid. For these individuals, standard folic acid supplements may not be effectively converted into the necessary active form. Wild Nutrition's use of methylated folate provides a direct solution, as it is already in the active form that the body can use immediately.
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Unmetabolized Folic Acid (UMFA): When the body is unable to convert large amounts of synthetic folic acid efficiently, unmetabolized folic acid can build up in the bloodstream. Some research suggests that high levels of UMFA might have potential adverse health consequences, such as affecting the immune system, though more research is needed to fully understand these effects. By using natural folate, Wild Nutrition helps prevent this accumulation.
Understanding Wild Nutrition's Labels
Due to European Union (EU) regulations, supplements containing folate are often required to be labeled as 'Folic Acid', even if they contain the natural, food-derived form. This can cause confusion for consumers who actively seek folate over folic acid. Wild Nutrition addresses this on their website, clarifying that while their labels may state 'Folic Acid' to comply with the law, they are in fact providing naturally occurring, Food-Grown® folate. This information is typically detailed in the nutritional information panel rather than just on the front of the packaging. This transparency is important for consumers making informed choices about their nutritional intake, especially during critical periods like pregnancy.
Wild Nutrition Folate vs. Standard Folic Acid Supplementation
| Feature | Folate (Wild Nutrition) | Folic Acid (Typical Supplement) |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Naturally occurring, derived from food-grown yeast. | Synthetic, laboratory-made. |
| Bioavailability | High; body recognizes and absorbs it easily. | Can be lower, especially for individuals with genetic variations. |
| MTHFR Gene | Suitable for all individuals, including those with the MTHFR gene variant, as it's already activated. | Requires conversion by the MTHFR enzyme, which may be impaired in some people. |
| Metabolism | Direct absorption and utilization by the body's cells. | Requires a multi-step enzymatic conversion in the liver and other tissues. |
| Unmetabolized B9 | Low to no risk of unmetabolized B9 accumulating. | Potential for unmetabolized B9 accumulation with high doses. |
| Pregnancy Use | Safely supports fetal development and reduces risk of neural tube defects. | Commonly recommended to prevent neural tube defects, but effectiveness can vary based on genetics. |
Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice
The choice between folate and folic acid can be significant for individuals seeking to optimize their nutritional intake, especially for specific health needs or during pregnancy. Wild Nutrition's use of a natural, methylated folate, delivered via their Food-Grown® process, offers a compelling alternative to traditional synthetic folic acid supplements. By providing a form of Vitamin B9 that is already active and highly bioavailable, they effectively address potential issues with genetic variations that impact folate metabolism. For consumers, understanding the distinction and checking the nutritional information on the label is key to making an informed decision that aligns with their health goals. For further reading on the differences between these forms, an authoritative resource can be found on the National Institutes of Health website.
