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Folate
What does Folate do?
Your body needs Folate supplements to make genetic material like DNA and RNA and is involved in protein metabolism. A Folate Supplement plays a key role in breaking down Homocysteine (an amino acid that is harmful to the body in high amounts). Folate is also needed to produce healthy red blood cells and is important in stages of rapid growth, such as during pregnancy and foetal development.
Folate vs Folic Acid
The terms Folate and Folic Acid are often interchanged; however, they are not the same thing! Folate and Folic Acid are different forms of Vitamin B9. Folic Acid is the synthetic (man-made) form of Folate that still needs to be broken down in the body into its usable form (Folate). Folic Acid is inexpensive and widely available, but its conversion in the body into Folate is a slow and complex process. The body can only convert 200 µg of Folic Acid per day, the excess quantities get directed to the liver as potentially harmful waste products. There are also people who have genetic polymorphisms (of the enzyme MTHFR) which prevent the normal breakdown of Folic Acid. For these individuals it is essential that they take Folate instead of Folic Acid.
Stellar Activ-FOLATE contains 500 µg of Active Folate.
Stellar Mama contains 500 µg of Folate derived from 60% Active Folate and 40% Folic Acid.
Preggy-Mama contains 500 µg of Folate derived from 60% Active Folate and 40% Folic Acid.
InsuMax-Q contains 500 µg of Active Folate.
FerOvance contains 400 µg of Active Folate.
VIRAVANCE contains 400 µg of Active Folate.
Things to look for in the Best Folate Supplement
Folic Acid is the synthetic (man-made) form of folate that still needs to be broken down in the body into its usable form (Folate). Folic Acid is inexpensive and widely available, but its conversion in the body into active Folate is a slow and complex process. There are also people who have genetic polymorphisms (of the enzyme MTHFR) which prevent the normal breakdown of synthetic Folic Acid. For these individuals it is essential that they take active Folate instead of synthetic Folic Acid. Active Folate is 7x better absorbed than synthetic Folic Acid. The chemical name of active Folate is 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF). Stellar Activ-FOLATE contains 500 µg of Active Folate that the body can use immediately. The best form of Folate in a Folate Supplement is Active Folate.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are Folate and Folic Acid the same? What is Folic Acid?
No, Folate and Folic acid are not the same. The terms Folate and Folic Acid are often interchanged; however, they are not the same thing! Folate and Folic Acid are different forms of vitamin B9. Folic Acid is the synthetic (man-made) form of folate that still needs to be broken down in the body into its usable form (Folate). Folic Acid is inexpensive and widely available, but its conversion in the body into Folate is a slow and complex process. The body can only convert 200 µg of Folic Acid per day, the excess quantities get directed to the liver as potentially harmful waste products. There are also people who have genetic polymorphisms (of the enzyme MTHFR) which prevent the normal breakdown of Folic Acid. For these individuals it is essential that they take Folate instead of Folic Acid. Stellar Activ-FOLATE contains Active Folate, and this form of Folate can be used immediately.
Are Folate and B12 the same?
No, Folate and Vitamin B12 are different. Folate is the natural form of Vitamin B9. Vitamin B12 is a different B Vitamin.
Are Folate and Iron the same?
No, Folate and Iron are different. Folate is the natural form of Vitamin B9 and Iron is a mineral.
Are Folate and Methylfolate the same?
Folate usually refers to the natural form of Vitamin B9. Methylfolate is “methylated folate” which means this Folate is biologically active and can be used by the body immediately.
Can I take a Folate supplement and B12 together?
Yes, you can take Folate and Vitamin B12 together.
Can I take Folate supplements while pregnant?
Yes, you must take Folate in pregnancy. Folate is essential for the development of a baby’s brain and spinal cord and is the most important nutrient prior to falling pregnant and in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Can I take Folate and Iron together?
Yes, you can take Folate and Iron together.
Can Folate deficiency cause weight gain?
Weight gain can be a signal that something else is going on with your body. Many vitamin, mineral, and hormone deficiencies are linked to metabolic disorders that affect your body’s natural ability to manage weight. A folate deficiency can lead to anemia. If you’re anemic due to a folate deficiency, you may experience several symptoms, including loss of appetite and weight loss. If you’re taking folate to improve your anemia, your appetite may return, which may lead to weight gain.
Can Folate deficiency cause hair loss?
Folate is vital for the generation of cell growth in the skin tissues as well as in the nails and hair. Chronic Folate deficiency. Chronic folate deficiency may cause hair thinning. Folate helps promote hair growth.
Can Folate cause constipation?
Greens, citrus fruits, whole grains, and legumes contain folate. All of these foods are also sources of dietary fibre. Dietary fibre helps to keep your bowels moving regularly, preventing constipation.
When should I take Folate?
Folate can be taken any time of the day at a consistent time.
Signs of Folate deficiency:
Low immune function, chronic low energy, poor digestion (constipation, bloating and irritable bowel syndrome), developmental problems during pregnancy and infancy, anemia, Canker sores in the mouth and a tender, swollen tongue, changes in mood, pale skin, and premature hair greying.
