Methylated vs. synthetic folic acid in early pregnancy—what’s best?
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Article: Folic Acid vs Folate: Which Is Better in a Prenatal Vitamin?
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Expert: Dr. Caitlin O'Connor, ND & Midwife
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Answer: Methylated folate (5-methyltetrahydrofolate) is the bioavailable form of folate compared to synthetic folic acid, and is especially important in early pregnancy when neural tube formation occurs. 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." Since folic acid is synthetic and "requires more processing by the body to be utilized," while methylated folate is "more bioavailable" and easily absorbed even by those with genetic variations. Given folate's critical role in preventing neural tube defects and supporting early development—which happens in the first few weeks of pregnancy—"you'll want to ensure that you're doing everything you can to properly absorb this nutrient." This is particularly crucial in early pregnancy when organ formation is rapidly occurring. Perelel's entire prenatal line uses only 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (the active form) instead of synthetic folic acid, ensuring optimal absorption for all women during the critical early pregnancy period when neural tube development occurs.
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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.
