Folate vs Folic Acid - thoughts?

[Lounat]

Hello MN-ers.
Does anyone choose to take a folate supplement rather than folic acid for pre-pregnancy/pregnancy? My understanding (although this is only from some brief googling and the odd podcast) is that folic acid is the synthetic version of folate and some nutritionists believe is not as easily absorbable by the body as folate.

I have therefore been taking a folate supplement instead. When my consultant said to make sure I am taking folic acid, I told her I was taking folate instead, she pulled a confused face and said I need to be taking folic acid. I explained why I was taking folate instead (as above) and she just said, oh, ok then thats fine if that's what it is. I was confused, particularly as this was an appointment for fertility investigations. I thought there would be more awareness of this, if that's the case.

Does anyone else have any thoughts on this? Do you just take folic acid, or does anyone take folate instead and if so, what are your reasons please?

Thanks!

Yes, I have always taken high dose folic acid until I did a test for the mthfr gene mutation which I have, so I swapped to taking folate instead after reading a lot about this online. Not sure if there is much medical evidence behind this but it is recommended by some reputable people so I thought best safe than sorry.

Folate, well to be precise methylfolate and folinic acid plus co-factors (TMG, b1/2, glutathione etc). I also avoid folic acid as it blocks the folate receptors (it’s in a lot of food).

My IVF clinic tested me for mthfr, as I have it they said to take folate instead. It has had the side bonus of seriously reducing headaches/migraines for which I am very grateful!

Hi, do you have recommendations for folate supplements you are using?

Biocare Methyl Pregnancy Multi-nutrient (pre-natals)
Biocare also do drops of a mix of methylated vit Bs which is good
L-methylfolate - various brands from Amazon
I take extra folinic acid but get that shipped from the US as it’s not too common here.

As for co-factors (without them many can have anxiety side effects from methylated nutrients which process faster) - Vits b1 and b2, TMG and glutathione are various brands from Amazon from respectable companies like Solgar or Time Health. I’m limited to vegan capsules though so you might find others.