01/28/2021
๐คฑ๐ฝ
if there was an *iconic* pregnancy nutrient it would be vitamin B9 (folate)
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ
folate is known to help reduce the risk of neural tube defects, midline defects, cleft lip and palate, tongue and lip ties, preeclampsia, placental abruption and more.
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ
here's the thing. folic acid and folate are NOT equal
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ
โ๏ธfolic acid is a synthetic form of vitamin B9. found in most supplements and in many processed foods
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ
โ๏ธfolate is the natural form of B9. found in whole foods
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ
folic acid and folate are both INACTIVE forms of B9. inactive folate does not cross the placenta the same way that active folate does, and is not able to be utilized by the body. the body must first convert the inactive forms to the active (methylated) form: methyltetrahydrofolate
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ
so what's the big deal? it is estimated that 60% of the population has a variation of the MTHFR mutation. this mutation impacts the bodyโs ability to convert inactive folate to the active form.
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ
because of this, current research recommends supplementation with methyltetrahydrofolate for EVERYONE during pregnancy, regardless of dietary intake
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ
why?
1. the majority of women that have an MTHFR mutation are unaware that they have it
2. dietary folate still has to go through the same pathway to be converted to the active form. supplementing with the active form is the only way to ensure you are getting the proper levels
3. folic acid supplementation should be avoided as it has been found to affect the body's ability to uptake active folate
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ
questions?
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ
*this is NOT medical advice and is for general educational purposes only. use this information as a starting point to research and ask questions. please consult YOUR healthcare practitioner regarding dosage and recommendations for YOU as this is not_ALWAYS appropriate for all*