The difference between folinic acid and folate
According to Dr. Allison Herries, a nutritionist at Mount Sinai Medical Center (USA), folinic acid is a pre-active form of folate, while folic acid (a synthetic form of vitamin B9) needs to be metabolized through the liver before the body uses it.
Folinic acid is absorbed quickly and is suitable for people who have difficulty in folate metabolism due to MTHFR gene variation, says Herries.
folinic acid is often prescribed in medicine, especially to reduce the toxicity of methotrexate, a drug that treats cancer and autoimmune diseases. In addition, it also helps control large red blood anemia and supports some therapies for the treatment of colorectal cancer. However, this type is not sold freely and should be used under the guidance of a doctor.
Folic acid is still a suitable choice for most users
In contrast, natural folate is found in leafy greens, eggs, seafood, and beans. Folic acid, a synthetic form of folate, is more common in supplements and is essential for pregnant women to prevent neural tube defects in the fetus.
However, consuming too many folic acid supplements can conceal vitamin B12 deficiency, leading to prolonged nerve damage, Ms. Herries warned. The recommended safe dosage for adults is 400 micrograms per day, and does not exceed 1,000 micrograms.
Some studies also show that taking too high a dose of folic acid can be associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer, so users should consult a doctor before long-term use.
Choose the right one depending on your needs
According to experts, there is no absolute winner between folinic acid and folate. folinic acid is suitable for people who are being treated for diseases that require high doses or have difficulty absorbing, while folic acid is suitable for daily supplementation and during pregnancy.
The most important thing is not to arbitrarily take high doses of medication or supplements without a medical prescription, Dr Herries emphasized.
