Prenatal with Folate Not Folic Acid

Many expectant mothers require prenatal supplements to support their pregnancy. These dietary supplements provide essential vitamins and minerals for the development of the baby and the health of the mother. Among many nutrients in prenatal supplements, folate plays a key role in preventing birth defects and supporting fetal growth [1 ].

However, there is a common confusion among people about the forms of folate. Many people consider folate and folic acid as the same form of vitamin B9. However, both are different forms of vitamin B9, and some women particularly require prenatal with folate not folic acid as a source of vitamin B9.

Conceive Plus Prenatal in the lower right corner and a pregnant woman holding a pregnancy ultrasound. Only belly part in the frame

Difference Between Folate and Folic Acid

Folate is the natural form of vitamin B9 found in foods like leafy greens, beans, and citrus fruits. Folic acid, on the other hand, is a man-made version used in supplements and fortified foods [2 ].

While you can get vitamin B9 from both forms, they differ in how the body processes them. Folate is easy for the body to absorb and use. On the other hand, your body needs to convert folic acid into an active form called methyl-tetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) before utilizing it for any function [2].

pregnant woman belly diagram with fetus visible and vitamin b9, folate and folic acid floating in the bubbles in air

How the Body Converts Folic Acid into Active Folate?

When you consume folic acid in fortified foods or supplements, your body uses an enzyme to convert it into 5-MTHF, which is the active form of folate. However, not everyone can efficiently convert folic acid into 5-MTHF.

Some individuals have a genetic variation in the MTHFR gene, which reduces their ability to convert folic acid into its active form [3]. For such cases, it is a good idea to choose prenatal supplements containing 5-MTHF. This way, they will get the active form directly, eliminating the need for conversion.

The Role of Folate During Pregnancy

A pregnant woman requires about 600 mcg of folate each day to support healthy fetal development [4 ]. It helps form the neural tube, which becomes the baby’s brain and spinal cord.

Studies show that deficiency of folate during pregnancy can increase the risk of neural defects in the baby while folic acid supplementation is found effective in preventing neural tube defects [1]. It also supports the growth of the placenta and red blood cell production, ensuring both mother and baby get the oxygen they need.

a happy couple looking at each other while holding hands and a conceive Plus prenatal vitamins bottle on the left down corner of the video and a punch line is written as Congratulations on Your Pregnancy

How to Choose a Prenatal Supplement with Folate?

When shopping for a prenatal, look for labels that specify "methylated folate" or "5-MTHF." This indicates the active form of folate is present in that supplement.

If your doctor diagnoses that your body lacks the ability to convert folic acid into folate, you must choose prenatal vitamins with folate not folic acid as a source of vitamin B9. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement to ensure it meets the requirements of your body.

Is It Ok to Get Folic Acid Free Prenatal Vitamin?

You can choose prenatal without folic acid as long as they contain the active form of folate, like methylated folate or 5-MTHF. These forms are easier for the body to use since your body doesn't have to do any conversion.

For individuals with genetic variations that inhibit the conversion of folic acid into folate, folate-only supplements can be a safer and more effective option. However, make sure to avoid those supplements that don’t provide any form of folate at all. This is because the prenatal no folic acid increases the risk of deficiency of vitamin B9 and associated complications.

Conceive Plus Prenatal Supplement placed on the left while a pregnant woman in lotus position looking at the camera and a punch line is written as Nourishing Moms, once capsule at a time. Easy, Vegan, and essential

The Bottom Line

Different prenatal supplements come with unique formulations. Some offer vitamin B9 in the form of folate, while others contain a folic acid form of this vitamin. Folate is the active form of vitamin B9, which means that your body can utilize it directly.

In contrast, folic acid is the inactive form of vitamin B9, and your body converts it into the active form to be able to use it. It is completely ok for most women to get folic acid-containing prenatal supplements. However, for women with genetic variations that make them unable to convert folic acid into the active form, prenatal with folate not folic acid is a recommended option. For mothers navigating the post-pregnancy period, considering prenatals while breastfeeding can ensure optimal nutritional support for both the baby and the mother.

Resources Used

Greenberg, J. A., Bell, S. J., Guan, Y., & Yu, Y. (n.d.-d). Folic acid supplementation and pregnancy: more than just neural tube defect prevention. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3218540/
Carboni, L. (2022, July 1). Active folate versus folic acid: The role of 5-MTHF (Methylfolate) in human health. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9380836/
Hiraoka, M., & Kagawa, Y. (2017). Genetic polymorphisms and folate status. Congenital Anomalies, 57(5), 142–149. https://doi.org/10.1111/cga.12232
Barchitta, M., Maugeri, A., Lio, R. M. S., Favara, G., La Mastra, C., La Rosa, M. C., & Agodi, A. (2020). Dietary Folate Intake and Folic Acid Supplements among Pregnant Women from Southern Italy: Evidence from the “Mamma & Bambino” Cohort. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(2), 638. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17020638