Pregnancy is a miraculous journey characterised by numerous physiological changes, all aimed at nurturing and supporting the development of a new life. Among the many factors that influence the health and well-being of both the mother and the growing foetus, proper nutrition stands out as paramount. In particular, the role of folate, a B vitamin crucial for foetal development, has garnered significant attention in recent years. However, confusion often arises regarding the terms "folic acid" and "folate," and their roles during pregnancy. Let's delve into the differences between these two substances and their implications for maternal health and foetal development.

Table of contents:

• Folate: The natural form of vitamin B9
• Folic Acid: The synthetic form of vitamin B9
• What is folate used for?
• What is homocysteine?
• Conclusion

Folate: The Natural Form of Vitamin B9

Folate is a water-soluble B vitamin naturally found in various foods, including leafy green vegetables (such as spinach and kale), legumes, fruits (such as oranges and avocados), and fortified grains. It plays a pivotal role in DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and neural tube development in the foetus, particularly during the early stages of pregnancy. The neural tube eventually develops into the baby's brain and spinal cord, making folate intake critical for preventing neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly.

Unlike synthetic folic acid, folate is the biologically active form of vitamin B9 that the body can readily utilise. When consumed through diet or supplements, folate is metabolised and converted into its active forms in the body, primarily 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), which participates in essential biochemical processes. This natural form of folate is particularly crucial during pregnancy when the demand for this nutrient increases significantly to support the rapid growth and development of the foetus.

EU and UK law stipulates that supplements containing folate need to be labelled as folic acid. If the product does contain folate, it's likely to be labelled elsewhere on the product, for example in the nutrition information panel or in the ingredients list.

Our Glow® formulations only use the natural folate version (5-MTHF), despite needing to be labelled as Folic Acid in the nutritional table due to UK labelling laws.

Folic Acid: The synthetic form of vitamin B9

Folic acid, on the other hand, is the synthetic form of folate commonly used in some food supplements and fortified foods. While folic acid serves the same purpose as folate—preventing neural tube defects and supporting overall maternal and foetal health—it requires enzymatic conversion in the body to become metabolically active.

Once ingested, folic acid undergoes several metabolic steps before it can be converted into the active form of folate, 5-MTHF, which is necessary for cellular processes. However, some individuals may have genetic variations that impair this conversion process, resulting in reduced effectiveness of folic acid supplementation. This genetic polymorphism, known as the MTHFR gene variant, affects the activity of the enzyme responsible for converting folic acid into its active form. Consequently, individuals with this variant may benefit more from consuming folate-rich foods or supplements containing methylated forms of folate, such as 5-MTHF.

What is folate used for?

• Supplemental folic acid intake increases maternal folate status. Low maternal folate status is a risk factor in the development of neural tube defects in the developing foetus.
• Folate contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
• Normal blood formation
• Folate contributes to normal amino acid synthesis and homocysteine metabolism.
• Normal blood formation

What is homocysteine?

Homocysteine, a pesky little amino acid hanging around in our bodies, can cause quite a stir if it piles up. Too much of it has been linked to heart troubles like coronary artery disease and stroke. This is where folic acid, along with its B vitamin buddies like B6 and B12, swoops in to save the day. Folic acid works its magic by helping to convert homocysteine into friendlier substances, keeping our hearts happier and healthier. So, by getting enough folic acid through supplements or munching on folate-rich foods, we're giving our hearts a fighting chance against those nasty cardiovascular surprises.

Research MTHFR mutation can lead to reduced activity of the MTHFR enzyme, affecting the conversion of folate into its active form, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF). This can result in elevated levels of homocysteine, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

If you have this mutation, the way to get around it is to supplement your diet with natural folate, which does not need to be metabolised,

Individuals concerned about the MTHFR mutation should seek personalised guidance from healthcare professionals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, folate and folic acid are both essential for maternal health and foetal development, particularly during pregnancy. While folate is the naturally occurring form found in food, folic acid is the synthetic form commonly used in supplements and fortified foods. Understanding the differences between these two forms of vitamin B9 is crucial for ensuring optimal maternal and foetal health outcomes. Pregnant women are advised to consult with healthcare professionals to determine the most appropriate form and dosage of folate supplementation based on individual needs and genetic factors. By prioritising adequate folate intake, expectant mothers can take proactive steps to support the healthy development of their babies and promote overall well-being throughout pregnancy.