Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is an essential vitamin that plays several roles in our bodies. It is often confused with folic acid, its synthetic form, but it is crucial to understand its benefits and the differences between the two.
What are the benefits of folate for our health?
- Promotes a healthy pregnancy: During pregnancy, folate is vital. It helps in the formation of the neural tube of the fetus, preventing birth defects. This is why many doctors recommend folate supplements to women who are pregnant or trying to conceive.
- Stimulates red blood cell production: An adequate amount of folate in the body ensures optimal production of red blood cells. Its deficiency can trigger megaloblastic anemia, a condition that affects the body's ability to transport oxygen.
- Benefits cardiovascular health: Folate has the ability to regulate homocysteine levels in the blood. An elevated level of homocysteine has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Supports cognitive function: Recent studies have shown that folate can be an ally in preventing neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer's.
- Fights depression: Folate plays a role in the production of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which are linked to mood. People with low folate levels often experience depressive symptoms.
Folate vs Folic Acid: Understanding the Differences
While folate is a natural vitamin found in foods like green leafy vegetables, folic acid is a synthetic version that is added to multivitamins and fortified foods.
The body absorbs folate more efficiently than folic acid. In addition, folic acid requires a specific enzyme for its metabolism, and not all individuals possess sufficient amounts of this enzyme. Excessive consumption of folic acid can lead to hormonal imbalances, concentration problems, insomnia, and other side effects.
It is essential to be informed and choose the form of vitamin B9 that best suits our needs and health conditions. If you are interested in consuming folate, you can get it in the product Folixol . It is also the only Mexican brand that contains Quatrefolic@, a patented type of folate 5-MTHF.