What is the difference between folate and folic acid? The difference is folate is a naturally occurring form of B9 and folic acid is a synthetic form of B9. Vitamin B9 serves many functions such as cell growth and DNA formation. If you have low levels of B9 you could potentially be at a higher risk of birth defects, cancer risk, elevated homocysteine.
What is the difference between folate and folic acid? Photo credit: iStock-Dzmitry Skazau
Folic acid is used in supplements, and it is used in processed food products such as flour and breakfast cereals. If you take a small dosage of folic acid of 200 to 400 mcg per day it will not be completely metabolized until you take the next dose. And the result of this unmetabolized folic acid is found in the bloodstream even during a fasted state.
There have been some studies that have shown that a large amount of unmetabolized folic acid increases the risk of cancer. But there are also some studies that disagree with this theory. In closing there is no conclusive evidence that proves that unmetabolized folic acid plays a direct role.
There was a study that showed that taking folic acid with B vitamins makes the conversion more efficient. Some of the best high folate foods are the following:
- Spinach
- Lettuce
- Asparagus
- Avocados
The healthiest dietary sources of Vitamin B are through whole foods. And an alternative dietary supplement form of folic acid is methyl folate. Folate is a naturally occurring form of Vitamin B9. And before it enters your bloodstream your digestive system converts it to the biologically active form of B9.
“The difference is folate is a naturally occurring form of B9 and folic acid is a synthetic form of B9. ” Celebrity Fitness & Nutrition Expert Obi Obadike
The Bottom Line is the difference between folate and folic acid is folate is a naturally occurring form of Vitamin B, whereas folic acid is an artificial occurring form of Vitamin B.
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References
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