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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Folic Acid and Folinic Acid?

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Folic acid and folinic acid are both forms of vitamin B9, also known as folate. They have different structures and roles in the body:

  1. Folic Acid: This is the synthetic form of vitamin B9, found in supplements and fortified foods. It is an oxidized, water-soluble form of folate that is used therapeutically but does not exist in nature. Folic acid must be converted in the liver to its active form, which the body can use.
  2. Folinic Acid: Also known as leucovorin, folinic acid is a naturally occurring, reduced form of folic acid. It is an active form of folate found in foods and is biologically active, meaning it does not need to be activated in the body. Folinic acid represents over 90% of functional folate and has become important in modern clinical practice, especially because humans cannot synthesize folates de novo.

There is ongoing debate about which form of folate supplementation is more suitable for individuals with the MTHFR gene mutation, which can affect the conversion of folic acid to its active forms. Some sources suggest that folinic acid or methylfolate (activated folates) supplementation is more appropriate for those with the MTHFR gene mutation. However, there is currently no strong evidence to support a significant difference in effectiveness between folic acid and folinic acid. More research is needed to determine the optimal form of folate supplementation for different individuals.

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  • What is the Difference Between Folic Acid and Folinic Acid?
  • Comparative Table: Folic Acid vs Folinic Acid

    • Comparative Table: Folic Acid vs Folinic Acid

    Folic acid and folinic acid are both forms of Vitamin B9, but they differ in their biochemical structure and how the body uses them. Here is a table comparing the differences between folic acid and folinic acid:

    Feature Folic Acid Folinic Acid
    Synthetic vs. Natural Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate, often found in supplements and fortified foods. Folinic acid is one of the naturally occurring forms of folates, found in many natural foods like beans, green leaves, asparagus, and cauliflower.
    Stability Folic acid is more stable and bioavailable than folinic acid. Folinic acid rapidly converts to methyltetrahydrofolate (MTHF), avoiding several steps involved in the metabolism.
    Function Folic acid helps the body produce and maintain healthy new cells, preventing changes to DNA that may lead to cancers. Folinic acid can be converted into any of the other active forms of folate in the body.
    Supplementation Folic acid is often recommended in supplement form for those with normal MTHFR gene variants to reduce the risk of spinal bifida in a growing fetus. Folinic acid may be more suitable for individuals with a MTHFR gene mutation, as their bodies may not convert dietary folate and folic acid supplements to the active forms effectively.

    Both folic acid and folinic acid are essential for the proper functioning of the body, but their uses may differ from a clinical point of view.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.