For those eager to understand the scientific details, here is more about how the body typically processes folic acid, and what makes it potentially dangerous. Before folic acid can be utilized by the body, it must undergo two conversions —to dihydrofolate DHF first and then tetrahydrofolate THF. Only then, can THF be converted to L-methylfolate, which is the end form of folate that the body requires for many key functions. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase MTHFR , is the key enzyme that regulates this conversion process.
For those who have this genetic variation, supplementing with folic acid may lead to varying amounts of the converted L-methylfolate form, potentially leaving the body with less than it requires. Furthermore, it could lead to a build up of the folic acid form in the body. In terms of providing the body with available nutrient, dietary folate—the form found in whole foods—is preferable to the synthetic folic acid found in supplements and processed foods.
It is both more readily available to the body, and it does not pose the same potential risks of build up. This is why supplementing with L-methylfolate can also be considered superior to using folic acid for those that may not get enough from the diet. The unmetabolized folic acid that remains in the bloodstream has been associated with serious health risks that are worth noting. Recent research shows a correlation between elevated levels of folic acid and an increased risk of cancer.
A study published by the NIH questions whether fortifying foods with folic acid may be contributing to the increase of prostate cancer in the population. It is important to remember that folic acid started to be widely consumed only recently. While the risks of too much folic acid are alarming, the danger of too little folate is also quite serious. Folate is an essential B vitamin, and arguably one of the most important for healthy mood, cognition, nervous system health, heart health, and pregnancy.
Folate deficiency can increase your risk for a multitude of health issues, including risk of neural tube defects in fetuses. There are many forms of folate on the market and not all folates are the same. Methylfolate is known as the superior form of folate. There are many synonyms for folate as well as names that are not synonyms, but completely different forms that may do more harm than good.
For example, folic acid is the man-made version of folate that is used in grain products to replenish folate that has been stripped out during food processing. Folic acid fortification of common foods has added to confusion of what folate really is. The reality is that folic acid may actually block folate receptors, making it more difficult to correct a deficiency.
Food sources of folate may not give you the folate intake that you need, due to most standard diets being low in leafy greens, vegetables, and legumes. The best forms of folate are L-methylfolate glucosamine or calcium salt versions , and folinic acid. When it comes to choosing the best form of folate for you, education is key!
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. I have been a fan of Seeking Health products and your website for several years. Methylation and MTHRF can be complicated subjects to understand — I have read extensively about it, think I understand it but have never been able to explain it simply to someone else.
Although, when initially starting folate supplementation, even my functional medicine PCP way overdid it with 2 mg of 6S Methyltetrahydrofolic acid glucosamine salt. Thank you so much for this valuable information. My dermatologist prescribed me methotrexate for psoriasis. I have the mild variant hetero CT. I am a senior citizen and I have been reading in an effort to gain an understanding of the suggested supplement.
Search For View cart. Ben Lynch How is it made? Folic Acid in Pregnancy: Which is Best? For these individuals AND for the rest of us, methylfolate is the best dietary form of folate. All our cells also need MF to repair damage to their DNA which is occurring all the time, even in healthy cells. Methyl coming mainly from folate is also very important for epigenetics — turning genes on and off using methyl — as well as to enable cells to grow, maintain their structure and make new cells.
Our billion brain cells need MF for all these reasons. Yet MF is not commonly found in foods and very rarely provided by dietary supplements. BrainMD has made methylfolate a priority ingredient in our brain-directed dietary supplements. During pregnancy, the demand for folate becomes greatly increased due to the needs of the developing baby. Supplementing with Methylfolate from BrainMD Health helps provide your brain and body with optimized folate, to improve your chances of maintaining health and well-being.
Also, dietary supplements that include folate typically provide it as FA. Use of 5-MTHF also prevents the potential negative effects of unconverted folic acid in the peripheral circulation. We review the evidence for the use of 5-MTHF in preventing folate deficiency. Abstract 1.
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