Folic acid vs Folate

[greygoose]

Seems we've been getting it wrong!

thehealthyhomeeconomist.com...

[Clutter]

GG, On the other hand some people don't do well on methyfolate and do better on folic acid. I have read elsewhere that 5mg folic acid should only be prescribed for 3/4 months as long term high doses may increase the risk of cancer.

[greygoose in reply to Clutter]

It's not something I know much about, I have to confess. But I see people being recommended to take folic acid on here and then I read this... Going to have to look at it more closely, I think.

[Clutter in reply to greygoose]

GG, I think, for anyone with the impaired MTHRFR gene methylfolate may be better absorbed and utilised but folic acid is probably fine for others.

[greygoose in reply to Clutter]

Well, how about this :

draxe.com/folate-vs-folic-a...

Besides, I doubt if many people know they have an impaired MTHRFR gene - or even what a MTHRFR gene is!

[jellynpain]

Ooooh...your worrying me now.

Recently shown very low, below range Folate. Just bought some Folic Acid tablets as can't get to gp before January.

Read article.

My question is...

1. Can Folate only be found through foods not in supplement form?

2. Is folic acids and Folate one of the same?

3. Am I definitely doing no harm in taking folic acid at least till see gp?

Also what is the gene & effects etc?x

[greygoose in reply to jellynpain]

You didn't read the article, did you. She says quite clearly that Folic acid and Folate are not the same things. And she gives a link to where you can buy Folate (on Amazon).

As to how much harm you're doing, I really don't know. As I said above, I'm only just starting to get my head round Folate, and haven't got very far yet. But, as it says in the article, your doctor will only prescribe you Folic acid, anyway, because s/he doesn't know the difference!

I'm sorry but I don't know what you mean by 'what is the gene & effects etc'.

Hugs, Grey

[jellynpain]

Hi Greygoose,

Soz, I didn't get to read it & replied to post.

Having a rubbish time at mo so everything I do is short.... apologise though for not reading beforehand.

X

[greygoose in reply to jellynpain]

No problem.