Folic Acid vs. L-methylfolate
50% of our population are affected by genetic mutation that limit the absorption of Folic acid (synthetic form) to bioactive folate (natural form).
Many of you are probably thinking, why can’t I just increase the amount of Folic acid to make up for the absorption loss, unfortunately, if you are born with genetic mutation, you can only absorb about 200mcg of Folic acid.
Folic acid is synthetic and can be labeled as folate or folicin, which none of these are the active form.
On the other hand, folate, the active (natural ) form is known as L-5-MTHF or l-methyl folate. You can get natural form of folate from food and bioactive supplementation.
If you planning to conceive and/or are already conceiving, I highly encourage you to test for specific gene known as MTHFR because adequate folate is essential to prevent birth defects of your baby’s brain and birth defects.
MTHFR gene mutation is associated with mood changes ( anxiety, depression, irritability & bipolar); pain/inflammation ( joint aches, muscle strain and migraines); physical symptoms ( fatigue, heart palpitations, insomnia and skin acne/rash).
Take care of yourself and your loved ones.
Healthy Regards,
Dr. Lena Fernandez