Folic Acid is often used interchangeably with Folate (Vitamin B9). But Folic Acid is a far cry from the real star, Folate.✨
🔸
Many women looking to conceive or already pregnant are told to take Folic Acid. There are a few problems with this:
🔸
〰️60% of population is less able or unable to use synthetic Folic Acid found in supplements and fortified foods due to genetics (MTHFR)
🔸
〰️Even in people without MTHFR, only 200 mcg can be converted into Folate (nowhere near daily needs)
🔸
〰️It’s likely the more Folic Acid you consume, the less efficient you become at converting it
🔸
〰️Folic Acid is synthetic and does not cross the placenta
🔸
Folate is the real deal. This is the vitamin most well-known for assisting with the production of new DNA, preventing neural tube defects, increasing birth weight, etc.
🔸
As I talk about a lot here, however, this vitamin doesn’t work alone. And overdoing it can create new issues.
🔸
For example, Folate absorption depends on Zinc.
🔸
And women with the highest levels of Folate, but deficient in Vitamin B12 have been observed to have babies that are smaller and become overweight and insulin-resistant at 6 years old.
🔸
Plus, Folate deficiency isn’t the only deficiency that can cause neural tube defects.
🔸
This is one of the reasons why even supplementation with the right form may not be the answer either.
🔸
Want to learn more? Stay tuned for more info about my course where we talk about this and how you can nourish yourself properly for baby.
_____________________________________________________________
This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before pursuing any changes to your personal healthcare regime.
_____________________________________________________________
References
Fallon, S. Cowan, T.S. (2013, 2015). The Nourishing Traditions Book of Baby and Child Care. Washington, D.C.: NewTrends Publishing.
Nichols, L. (2018). Real Food for Pregnancy. United States.
TTC? Get empowered with Conscious Conception, the ultimate fertility blueprint created to help you optimize your fertility and enter pregnancy empowered.
Stay in touch.
Sign up for my newsletter to get access to exclusive content and resources all about fertility and beyond.
We will never misuse your information.