It is true that most of the medical community uses the terms folate and folic acid interchangeably, but they enter the metabolic cycle in different ways, and natural folate is easier for the body to access than the cheap synthetic version folic acid ( source). But I’m taking Folic acid, so I don’t have to worry about this, right?įolic acid is the synthetic version of folate. See, I thought I was safe because, in addition to eating food daily that contained natural folate, as listed above, I also was taking a prenatal vitamin to make sure I wasn’t missing any. ( source)įolate is naturally found in high amounts in leafy greens, seaweed, sunflower seeds, chicken liver, calf liver, leeks, and peppers. Lack of it in childhood and adulthood leads to growth problems, neurological problems, anemia, low white blood cell count, and more. Lack of it in pregnancy leads to neural tube defects including spina bifida and anencephaly. It’s used in red blood cell production, DNA synthesis, and many more functions. It breaks down, builds, and uses proteins. Folate, vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin used in just about every process in the body. One little nutrient slipped by me until recently, though, and I’m kicking myself now. I carefully research nutrition in pregnancy, make it a priority to avoid genetically modified foods and the dirty dozen, insist that my children take cod liver oil, and even start my babies on liver as a first food. I would encourage you to read and consider this information very carefully!Īs a mom of a child who has struggled with disability ( see our story about GAPS and Autism here), I’ve made it a priority to be proactive when it comes to my children’s health, and I have seen their health blossom because of it. This is alarming and is impacting the health of the generation of children being born right now. Just about every pregnant woman is told to supplement with synthetic folic acid rather than the natural form folate. Today she shares how 20-40% of our population does not produce enough of the enzyme needed to break down the synthetic folic acid found in supplements and fortified foods like boxed breakfast cereal and how its presence in the modern diet is likely contributing to many of our modern diseases.
She uncovered the overlooked difference between folic acid and natural folate while doing research on the MTHFR gene mutation, and is alarmed that this isn’t more widely discussed especially in prenatal consultations. But wait! My doctor says Folic acid is important to takeĮditor’s Note: Cara has done extensive research on how nutrition relates to disability, has used the GAPS diet protocols successfully with her own family, and strives to break down healthy habits into easy-to-accomplish changes for the average busy family.Where is Folic acid found? How can I avoid it?.But I'm taking Folic acid, so I don't have to worry about this, right?.
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