L-Methylfolate vs Folic Acid: Why Active Folate Matters in Pregnancy?
Are you planning to have a baby? It must be an exciting yet challenging time for you! Right! There are several things to keep in mind during your journey from conception to delivery.
So, have you started doing your research? Well, one of the top points that might pop up as you start reading the list of to-do’s is choosing the right nutritional supplement!
Doctors usually emphasize on an essential nutrient i.e folic acid tablets during pregnancy as it possibly lowers the risk of neural tube defects in your developing baby. This advice can be supported by the fact that,
As per the recommendation of the WHO, all women from the moment they begin trying to conceive until 12 weeks of gestation should take a folic acid supplement (400 mcg folic acid daily).
Other worldwide renowned institutions such as The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the Academy of American Pediatrics (AAP), and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force also highlight the importance of taking folic acid during pregnancy.
Certain studies also suggest the importance of folic acid tablets throughout pregnancy. For instance, according to a study, there are higher chances of post-partum depression amongst women who take folic acid for 6 months or lesser as compared to those who take it for more than 6 months during pregnancy.
Did you know? Apart from the regular folic acid tablets, there is a superior form known as L-Methyl Folate. Now, you might be wondering, what is the difference between these two forms of folic acid pregnancy tablets?
Let us analyse the comparison between Folic Acid Tablets Vs L-Methyl Folate
| Folic Acid | L-Methyl Folate |
| It is a synthetic form of Vitamin B9(found in fortified foods and supplements). | It is the active form of folate. |
| It is not biologically active (must be converted into L-Methyl Folate to be used) | It is easily absorbed and can be used directly by the body without conversion. |
| It is effective for people who can convert without any medical issues. | It is beneficial for people with MTHFR gene variants (who may have difficulty converting folic acid) |
Both the forms of folic acid are essential for you but L-Methyl Folate is probably 7 times more bioavailable than Folic Acid. This is why Trimacare, India’s first doctor recommended and advanced trimester specific pregnancy nutrition supplement includes L-Methyl Folate, known to supposedly enhance women’s fertility and helpful in RBC and DNA synthesis. Visit our website www.trimacare.com to know more!
Importance of “Active Folate” in Pregnancy
You would be amazed to know that the requirement of active folate in pregnant women shoots up from 5 to 10 times. Contemplating why? This is because active folate may,
- support embryonic and foetal development,
- maternal tissue growth,
- lower the risk of low birth weight & preterm birth
- minimize the adverse pregnancy outcomes
- Also, essential for the development of new cells, including foetal nerve cells.
So, if you expect a healthy pregnancy and a healthy delivery, active folate matters!
Now, let us analyse the significance of active folate in details.
For the baby -
Prevents Neural Tube Defects
Intake of active folate may lower the risks of
- incomplete development of the spinal cord (spina bifida),
- incomplete development of the brain(anencephaly), when taken earlier in pregnancy.
Minimizes Risk of Other Birth Defects
Consuming folate in adequate amount is perhaps associated with a reduced risk of
- heart defects
- cleft lip
- cleft palate
For the mother -
Prevents anaemia
It might help with preventing disease like megaloblastic anaemia that leads to fatigue and weakness during pregnancy.
Supports placental and foetal growth
It may help for the healthy and proper growth of both the placenta and the foetus.
Could lower complication risks
Studies show that the intake of a sufficient amount of folate might help minimize the risk of low birth weight, and pre-eclampsia.
Supports having a pleasant mood
It may support a more stable mood due to the synthesis of neurotransmitters.
Tips to Get Enough Folate
How do you make sure that you are taking sufficient folate for you and your baby’s growth?
Most experts recommend consumption of at least 400 mcg of folic acid (or its active form, L-Methylfolate) every day before conception and during pregnancy to support the healthy growth of both the mother and the baby. Apart from these supplements, taking a folate-rich diet such as leafy greens, citrus fruits, avocado, Brussels sprouts, beans, nuts, and fortified cereals on a regular basis is a must.
It is critical to note that a mix of both the folic acid tablets and a proper diet is a great recipe for a smooth pregnancy!
Conclusion:-
Motherhood is a beautiful experience. However, the journey is not so easy-going. To make it slightly less complex, you must be aware of all the essential food and nutritional supplements to be consumed during pregnancy. Also, you need to remember that Folate is the key nutrient for a healthy pregnancy. It is not just a valuable prenatal supplement but lays the foundation for the overall development of your baby and your well-being from the time you plan to become a mother to delivery.
It is also important for you to note that while Folic acid tablets have been known to benefit both the expecting mom and her baby, L-Methyl Folate may offer a far more reliable support as it is an active and bioavailable form and is particularly beneficial for women with genetic variations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Folate may help prevent critical neural tube defects, which occur in the first few weeks of pregnancy, might support the baby’s overall development, and possibly reduce the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and cleft lip or palate.
2. Can you take folic acid and L-methylfolate together?
Yes, both Folic acid and L-Methyl Folate can be taken together. However, L-Methyl Folate is the active form that can be used by the body directly, and Folic acid is the synthetic form, which must be converted by your body.
3. What week of pregnancy is folate most important?
You should take a 400 microgram folic acid tablet daily from at least one month before conception till the end of the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Pallavi Aggarwal
A Certified Nutritionist with a rich healthcare background in health journalism, the author has immense experience in curating reader-friendly, engaging, and informative healthcare blogs to empower readers to make informed pregnancy-related decisions.
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