Do I Need Both Folate and Methylfolate?

Do I need both folate and methylfolate?

• Article: Folic Acid vs Folate: Which Is Better in a Prenatal Vitamin?

• Expert: Dr. Caitlin O'Connor, ND & Midwife

• Answer: Folate matters most; some people prefer methylfolate (5-MTHF), especially if they have MTHFR variants or tolerate it better. Dr. Caitlin O'Connor, ND & Midwife explains that "up to 60 percent of women have a gene variation called MTHFR, which interferes with their ability to properly metabolize folic acid." Folic acid is synthetic and "requires more processing by the body to be utilized," while folate in its methylated form is "more bioavailable" and easily absorbed even by those with genetic variations. With folate's critical role in preventing neural tube defects and supporting early development, "you'll want to ensure that you're doing everything you can to properly absorb this nutrient." This is why quality prenatal formulations use 5-methyltetrahydrofolate—it bypasses the need for conversion and ensures proper absorption regardless of your genetic makeup. Perelel's entire prenatal line uses only 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (the active form) instead of synthetic folic acid, ensuring optimal absorption for all women—including the 60% with MTHFR variations who can't properly process synthetic folic acid.

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This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and we recommend that you always consult with your healthcare provider. To the extent that this article features the advice of physicians or medical practitioners, the views expressed are the views of the cited expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Perelel.