Tag: Folate vs folic acid

While both are forms of vitamin B9, the bioavailability of synthetic folic acid is significantly higher than that of natural food folate, with up to 85% absorption from supplements versus 50% from food. The answer to whether folate is easier to digest than folic acid is not a simple 'yes' or 'no' and depends heavily on the specific processes involved in how your body handles each form.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all women of childbearing age consume 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily. Yes, a normal woman can take folic acid every day; it's a recommended practice for overall health, extending beyond pregnancy.

Over 40% of the population has a genetic variation in the MTHFR gene that makes it difficult to convert folic acid into a usable form, highlighting the importance of understanding what is pure L-methylfolate. This active, methylated form of vitamin B9 is essential for numerous bodily functions and offers advantages over its synthetic counterpart.

The terms folate and folic acid are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Folate is the naturally occurring B vitamin (B9), while folic acid is its synthetic, or man-made, counterpart. A crucial public health measure, the fortification of enriched breads and grains with folic acid, has been widely implemented in many countries to boost vitamin B9 intake.

Since mandatory fortification of enriched grain products with folic acid was implemented in the US in 1998, significant decreases in neural tube defects have been observed. This successful public health initiative has brought more attention to how this key nutrient is identified on food and supplement packaging, prompting the question: does folic acid have to be listed?

Approximately 70% of food folate and cellular folate is comprised of L-methylfolate. Levomefolate calcium, also known as L-methylfolate calcium, is a highly absorbable and biologically active form of this essential B-vitamin, circumventing common metabolic challenges faced with standard folic acid.

According to the National Institutes of Health, while food folate is approximately 50% bioavailable, folic acid from fortified foods is about 85% bioavailable. Folic acid's superior bioavailability comes down to its simpler, more stable chemical structure, which allows for easier and more complete absorption by the body.

Since mandatory folic acid fortification began in the U.S. in 1998, the prevalence of neural tube defects has significantly decreased, yet a growing controversy surrounds its widespread use. So, why are people against folic acid? The debate involves a complex interplay of genetic factors, the difference between synthetic folic acid and natural folate, and concerns about potential long-term health consequences.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while folic acid supplementation is a cornerstone for preventing neural tube defects during pregnancy, there are specific circumstances and genetic factors that warrant caution when considering when to avoid folic acid. Excessive intake can lead to the accumulation of unmetabolized folic acid, which may pose certain health risks.

According to the USDA FoodData Central database, a 100g serving of uncooked rolled oats contains 32 micrograms of naturally occurring folate. This fact answers the core question, but it's important to understand the nuance behind whether folic acid in oatmeal is present and what that means for your daily nutrition.