Over the past couple of weeks I have been talking about the many benefits of folate. Many people are under the impression that folate is only used to prevent spina bifida, but in reality folate does so much more for us and our developing babies.
Before we move on I want to give you a recap of the definitions for folate and folic acid. Why? Because some of you may not know the difference so I thought this would be helpful. Also, today I am just going to be talking about the natural form of folate and I want you to know that I am not using these two interchangeably.
Definitions:
Folic Acid: This name is actually referred to the man-made (synthetic) form of Folate. This is the form used to fortify foods and used in vitamins.
Folate or folinic acid: This name is actually referred to the natural form of the nutrient found in food. (sometimes referred to Tetrahydrorfolate or 5-MTHF)
- Side note* Most people used the term “folic acid” whether they are talking about the man-made or the natural form. If you come across scientific or medical journals you may see folate and folic acid used separately.
What it’s used for:
Folate is a B vitamin (vitamin B9) that is water soluble (dissolve in water). Folate helps your body create new healthy cells. This is why it is very important for brain function and also plays a role in mental and emotional health. It also assists with the production of DNA and RNA (our genetic material). Due to its use in creating new healthy cells and assisting in the production of DNA and RNA it is crucial when cells and tissues are growing rapidly, in particular developing womb babies.
Folate also works with Vitamin B12 to assist in making red blood cells and helps iron function properly in the body. It works with vitamins B6 and B12 along with other nutrients to help control blood levels of the non-protein amino acid homocysteine.
- Side note* Having too high of levels of homocysteine in the blood have been shown to be a risk factor for heart disease and insulin resistance. Homocystein levels are also shown to be increased in women with PCOS.
Folate has also shown to have positive influences on decreasing the risk of:
cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, impaired cognitive function, depression, neural tube defects, cleft palate, spina bifida, developmental brain damage, low infant birth weight, preterm delivery, congenital heart defects, reduction in the rate of fetal growth, infertility, and miscarriages.
I bet you did not know that folate was able to do all of this!
Another important factor to keep in mind, and one you have most likely already heard about, is that 60% of people have genes that reduce their ability to convert folic acid into the active folate form. This is why it is very important to get folate through natural food sources, especially if you do not know for sure if your body was not designed to convert folic acid into folate.
I will be talking about folic acid next week so our journey does not end here. Stay tuned 🙂
Resources:
Shannon, M.M. (2009) Fertility, Cycles, & Nutrition.: Couple to Couple League.
Asprey, I. and Asprey, D. (2013) The Better Baby Book. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons
Another great resource to learn more about folate is What Is Folate? – The Benefits of Vitamin B9 for Your Heart, Brain and DNA by Helen Sanders