Labstories Ep. 8: Folate & Folic Acid Explained! Supplements, Foods, Pregnancy & Treatment

Folate (Vitamin B9) is a class of water-soluble B vitamins. Folic acid is the inactive, oxidized, supplement form of Folate. Tetrahydrofolates are the active forms. Our bodies must convert Folic Acid to the Tetrahydrofolates to be used. Folates function in 1 carbon metabolism, or methylation. I refer to methyl groups as cash money in the body's economy. They are used in DNA synthesis and many other processes. DNA synthesis is especially important in red blood cell production. Deficiency of folate leads to megaloblastic (large, immature precursor cells) anemia. There are 2 groups of people who MUST take folic acid or folate supplements: women who are planning to become pregnant or are pregnant & those who are folate deficient. Pregnancy folic acid requirements are 600mcg DFE (dietary folate equivalents) which is obtained through foods and supplements. Pregnancy supplements are usually dosed 400-1000mcg. Folate deficiency happens through truly insufficient diets, which is rare in the era of folic acid supplementation. Folic acid replacement supplements are between 1mg-5mg. Groups at high risk of folate deficiency are those who drink alcohol heavily and the elderly, as well as those who take certain medications (valproic acid).

B12, Folate & Prenatal Supplements Summary: https://labstories.ck.page/b12folate

🥗Folate

For Folic Acid Deficiency: Thorne 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate: https://amzn.to/3Zs08xG

Prenatal Folic Acid: Amazon Elements Folic Acid: https://amzn.to/3XRnz2m

For Deficiency OR Prenatal: Pure Encapsulations Folate 1000 Metafolin L-5-MTHF: https://amzn.to/4eIiM91

⚖️Free Weight Loss Checklist: https://labstories.ck.page/d1a7599ef2

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:22 What is Folate?
0:29 What Foods Contain Folate?
1:01 The Difference Between Folic Acid & Folate
1:30 What is MTHFR?
2:06 What Does Folate Do?
2:57 Symptoms of Folate Deficiency
3:07 How to Diagnose Folate Deficiency
3:43 How to Raise Folate Levels
4:24 Why Pregnant Women MUST Supplement
4:42 Dose of Folic Acid in Pregnancy
5:20 What are Dietary Folate Equivalents (DFE)?
5:44 Folate Deficiency Treatment
6:19 Your Next Steps



#folicacid #folate #anemia 
This content is not medical advice and is for general informational purposes only. None of the information provided constitutes the practice of medicine, or any professional healthcare services. No doctor patient relationship has been formed. Information contained here is used at the consumer’s own risk. No one should delay or disregard in obtaining professional medical advice or treatment for any health-related issue. The information provided is in no way a substitute for medical advice.

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