Tag: Folate metabolism

According to one recent study, excess synthetic folic acid intake in people with the MTHFR C677T variant can lead to the accumulation of unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA), which is associated with cognitive and psychiatric issues. This critical genetic variation highlights the fundamental difference between the body's processing of synthetic folic acid and natural folate, and why avoiding folic acid with MTHFR is a key consideration for many people.

According to the NIH, certain medications are known to significantly reduce the body's folate levels, with long-term use posing a risk for nutrient deficiency. It is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers to be aware of what medications decrease folate to mitigate potential health complications, such as megaloblastic anemia. This article explores the common culprits and the underlying pharmacological mechanisms involved.

Since the mandatory fortification of grain products with folic acid in 1998, folate deficiency in the United States has become rare, dropping to less than 1%. Understanding what is the difference between folic acid and methylfolate is key to optimizing your intake of this essential B vitamin.

Leucovorin is a reduced, active form of folate, while folic acid is a synthetic precursor that must be enzymatically converted in the body. This fundamental difference explains why use leucovorin instead of folic acid in critical clinical situations, such as counteracting the toxic effects of methotrexate therapy.

Folate deficiency among women of reproductive age exceeds 20% in many low-income countries [1.7.1]. This raises the question: when supplementing, are bifolate and folic acid the same? Understanding their differences is crucial for effective treatment and prevention.