The Folic Acid Folate Difference: Which Is Which?

Nowadays, some terms are being interchangeably used, so much so that the difference, if any, cannot be distinguished anymore. For example, people are interchanging ‘Internet’ with ‘internet,’ although some techie might not agree with this usage. In the nutrition and health field, an example would be folic acid and folate.

We all know that folic acid or folate is a member of the B complex vitamin. B vitamins are water soluble, and therefore, cannot be stored by the body for long-term use.

So, what is the folic acid folate difference, if there is any?

According to the University of Florida website, folic acid and folate are two forms of the same vitamin, which is vitamin B9. When vitamin B9 is acquired from natural food sources such as liver, broccoli, nuts and pulses, it is in the form of folate. For example, one helping of Brussels sprouts will provide 100 mcg of folate, and a large glass of orange juice will give about 40 mcg.

Unfortunately, cooking or even storing food for a long time can destroy almost half of the folate content in foods.

Folic acid is the synthetic form of vitamin B9. When you take a folic acid supplement, you are getting the same vitamin that is needed by the body. Fortification in foods such as bread, cereals and pasta are also in the form of folic acid.

Some researchers say that folic acid is more absorbable by the body. Also, folic acid in supplements are more standard, meaning that if you are to take the recommended daily allowance of 400 mcg, a supplement bearing that dosage will give you exactly that. In contrast with natural sources, it is more difficult to measure if you are reaching the RDA, or have exceeded the upper limits of 1000 mcg.

The folic acid folate difference really is not a cause for alarm. On the one hand, eating a variety of foods with folate will also provide other essential nutrients and vitamins as well as fiber. On the other hand, taking a regular daily supplement of folic acid will ensure that you have the RDA of this essential vitamin. It is so essential that it is needed in the production and maintenance of our cells. It has been found to prevent changes in the DNA, and therefore helps in preventing cancer.

We all know that women who want to be pregnant should be taking this regularly to prevent neural tube defects. Those who are already pregnant should continue to take it to prevent any child deformity, as it aids in the production of new cells during pregnancy and infancy.

In conclusion, one has to take all essential nutrients to have a long, healthy life. Whether one prefers to take it from a variety of well-balanced food or take a multi-vitamin and mineral supplement to make sure that one is well covered, it is up to the individual’s choice. It is good to have choices. And if you choose to take quality supplements, make sure you get from a pharmaceutical-GMP compliant source.

A trustworthy manufacturer would only put natural, safe and effective ingredients at the right amount in your supplement. Artificial and synthetic fillers have no place or function for your good health.

For more information on what we use that contains pure folic acid check out our folic acid benefits page here.

Filed under: Health Nutrients

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