Tag: Dfe conversion

According to the National Institutes of Health, folate naturally found in food is only about 50% bioavailable, while synthetic folic acid is nearly 100% bioavailable. This difference is why the unit 'Dietary Folate Equivalents' (DFE) was created, and understanding how much folate is 1.7 mg DFE requires grasping this key bioavailability difference.

According to the National Institutes of Health, natural folate from food is only about 50% bioavailable, whereas folic acid from supplements can be nearly 100% absorbed. Understanding this difference in how the body processes the two forms of vitamin B9 is crucial for proper nutrition, especially for those considering supplements or eating fortified foods.