Many pregnant women take prenatal vitamins containing synthetic folic acid because folic acid (vitamin B9 ) plays a vital role in preventing neural tube defects. This is true, but as more people discover they may have a gene mutation that affects folic acid metabolism, we need to explore this topic more deeply.
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Synthetic folic acid and methylfolic acid: What are the differences between them?
Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a vital role in many physiological processes, particularly in DNA repair and cell division. Synthetic folic acid is the form used in most supplements and fortified foods, but it requires an enzyme called MTHFR to convert it into its active form for the body to use. However, this enzyme does not function normally in everyone, especially in individuals with mutations in the MTHFR gene, which can lead to inefficient folic acid metabolism and adverse effects.
This is why some people, especially those with this gene mutation, may experience health problems after taking synthetic folic acid. Excess synthetic folic acid can accumulate in the body without being converted into active folic acid, which can lead to health problems such as DNA damage and an increased risk of cancer.
Methylfolate: More suitable for people with gene mutations
Unlike synthetic folic acid, methyl folic acid does not require any enzymatic conversion, meaning that even people with the MTHFR gene mutation can easily absorb and utilize this type of folic acid. Therefore, for people with gene mutations, methyl folic acid is a safer and more effective option, avoiding the metabolic problems that may arise from synthetic folic acid.
Risks of excessive folic acid
While folic acid offers numerous health benefits, excessive use of synthetic folic acid can also cause problems. Too much synthetic folic acid may not only increase the risk of cancer but also autism. Studies show that excessive folic acid intake can interfere with the absorption of natural folic acid and have adverse effects on the body.
In addition, folic acid works in conjunction with vitamin B12 (another important B vitamin), and excess folic acid can mask a deficiency in B12 . The synergistic effect of B9 and B12 is crucial for lowering homocysteine levels , and excessively high homocysteine levels increase the risk of stroke and heart disease.
How to avoid excessive intake of synthetic folic acid?
Currently, synthetic folic acid is added to many foods, including fortified cereals, bread, pasta, biscuits, and beverages, leading to unknowingly excessive folic acid intake. To avoid this, it is recommended to choose foods without fortification and increase the intake of foods rich in natural folic acid, such as dark green leafy vegetables. Furthermore, individuals with gene mutations should choose to supplement with methylfolic acid instead of synthetic folic acid.
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Summarize
If you have an MTHFR gene mutation, methylfolate is a safer and more effective alternative to synthetic folic acid. Furthermore, adequate vitamin B9 intake is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health and needs to work in conjunction with vitamin B12 to maintain normal homocysteine levels, thereby reducing the risk of stroke, heart disease, and other illnesses.
YouTube source: https://youtu.be/ivELCxFtK9g
YouTube Column: Dr. Berg's Chinese Health Knowledge
