Folic acid, dietary folate and methylfolate
Folic acid and folate are often (incorrectly) used interchangeably. Unfortunately, this is a big mistake, because biologically there is a huge difference between them, which is why it is worth being aware of the differences and thus correctly interpreting and using products containing these active ingredients in practice.
Folic acid (pteroyl-L-glutamic acid) is the synthetic form of vitamin B9, while dietary folate is the natural form (tetrahydrofolate) of vitamin B9 found in food. However, none of them is the form that the body can fully utilize! These molecules must be transformed into an active state in several steps so that our body can utilize them (Figure 1). The active form of vitamin B9 is methylfolate. Therefore, only this can be directly utilized by the body (this active form is contained in the WTN Folate complex).
Folic acid
Folic acid is definitely the worst possible choice for replacing vitamin B9. Everyone should avoid this form!
In Hungary and in Europe, a significant part of the population (about two-thirds) is affected by the so-called MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) gene mutation. The MTHFR gene regulates the function of the enzyme converting folic acid/dietary folate into methylfolate. As a consequence of the MTHFR mutation, the body cannot efficiently convert the inactive vitamin form into an active vitamin form, thus increasing the chance of heart and vascular diseases (and other health risks).
What is interesting is that the body of those who are not affected by this MTHFR gene mutation also slowly transforms folic acid into an active form, so part of the folic acid circulates unprocessed in the blood, and moreover, it binds to the folate receptors, blocking the site from active folate.
Unprocessed folic acid is broken down by the liver over time, but the process is slow.
Dietary folate
When we replace dietary folate from food, it is also converted to methylfolate by the MTHFR enzyme, but if someone is affected by the MTHFR mutation, it will be almost the same problem as if they had taken synthetic folic acid.
The absorption of dietary folate in the intestinal tract is almost 100%, so this is not the problem, but the conversion to the active molecular form (methylfolate), which our body must do. Folic acid / dietary folate must be converted into biologically active methylfolate in the body. It is also in the "must" conditional mode because, due to the already mentioned MTHFR gene mutation, this conversion takes place with a weak or very weak efficiency.
Methylfolate
It is definitely the best form of vitamin B9 supplementation. The folate molecular form in the form of various salts (typically calcium and glucosamine) is stable and functional for everyone.
Bioactive methylfolate plays an important role in methylation, which optimizes several processes in the body, e.g. DNA production, hormone metabolism and detoxification. So this gene mutation affects hormone and neurotransmitter levels, brain function, digestion, cholesterol levels, etc.
Methylfolate is an expensive ingredient, so most manufacturers use folic acid instead.
In what cases is methylfolate supplementation essential?
- In people who have had a heart attack,
- in case of mental problems,
- in case of lung problems,
- in case of a weak immune system, or
- for hormonal and infertility problems (e.g. serial miscarriages),
- in the case of improperly functioning detoxification, or
- in expectant mothers with high blood pressure (need to say).
- Supplementation with folate is particularly important for those under medication, because some preparations also affect the level of homocysteine, thus increasing its amount in the blood.
What makes WTN's product forward-thinking?
- In the folate complex of WTN, the main active ingredient is present in the form of glucosamine folate salt (L-5-MTHF).
- In addition to folate, the product also contains vitamin B12 in the form of methylcobalamin. thus supporting red blood cell formation and supporting early brain development.
- Additive and preservative-free product.
WARNINGS
The consumption of a dietary supplement does not replace a balanced, varied, mixed diet and a healthy lifestyle. Do not exceed the recommended daily amount. Keep the product out of the reach of children, in a dry, cool, dark place. If you are allergic or hypersensitive to any product component, do not use the product! Before using liquid-based dietary supplements, it is worth performing a skin test to rule out sensitivity to the ingredients. The area behind the ear is ideal for this because the skin there is very thin and sensitive. It is highly recommended to separate the intake of dietary supplements from the consumption of coffee. At least half an hour before drinking coffee or after drinking coffee min. It is advisable to take it after 2 hours. It is not recommended to take dietary supplements with milk-based products! If you take several dietary supplements, consult with a specialist about the order in which you should take them, so that the potential canceling effect between the active ingredients does not prevail. Its use is recommended as a cure, if your treating doctor or naturopath has not recommended otherwise.
