{"id":437453,"date":"2025-06-06T08:30:08","date_gmt":"2025-06-06T07:30:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/formnutrition.com\/us\/?p=437453"},"modified":"2025-05-28T11:09:22","modified_gmt":"2025-05-28T15:09:22","slug":"ask-dr-adam-whats-the-deal-with-folic-acid-folate-and-the-mthfr-gene","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/formnutrition.com\/us\/inform\/ask-dr-adam-whats-the-deal-with-folic-acid-folate-and-the-mthfr-gene\/","title":{"rendered":"Ask Dr. Adam: What\u2019s the Deal with Folic Acid, Folate, and the MTHFR Gene"},"content":{"rendered":"

At Form, we often get questions about why we include folic acid (a synthetic form of vitamin B9) in our supplements instead of other versions like folate or 5-MTHF. Some concerns also stem from discussions around the MTHFR gene mutation, which has led to a fair share of confusion.<\/p>\n

To unpack the science and set the record straight, we turned to Dr. Adam Collins, our Head of Nutrition, to explain exactly what folic acid does, how it compares to other forms, and why it remains the gold standard in supplementation.<\/p>\n

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Folate vs. Folic Acid: What\u2019s the Difference?<\/h1>\n

Folate is the generic term for a group of water-soluble B vitamins (B9), naturally found in leafy greens, legumes, and citrus fruits. Folic acid, on the other hand, is a synthetic version used in fortified foods and supplements.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, there are different forms of folate found in the diet, including synthetic folic acid,<\/i>\u201d explains Dr. Adam. \u201cBut there\u2019s no evidence to suggest any form is superior when it comes to physiological effect, because all dietary folates are enzymatically reduced and methylated during absorption.<\/i>\u201d<\/p>\n

In other words, regardless of whether you consume folate from spinach or folic acid from a supplement, your body converts it into the same active form: 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF)\u2014the version that circulates in your blood and supports critical functions like DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation.<\/p>\n

What About the MTHFR Gene Mutation?<\/h1>\n

Some worry that carrying a variant of the MTHFR gene, especially C677T, might impair their ability to process folic acid efficiently. However, the science suggests this concern is largely overstated.<\/p>\n

\u201cEven if you have one or two copies of the lesser MTHFR C677T variant, your body can still safely and effectively process all types of folate, including folic acid,<\/i>\u201d says Dr. Adam. \u201cThe mutation doesn\u2019t \u2018switch off\u2019 the enzyme\u2014it just reduces its activity, and the body compensates.<\/i>\u201d<\/p>\n

Furthermore, supplementing with the already-active form\u20145-MTHF\u2014isn\u2019t necessarily a better option. While it might sound logical to bypass the conversion step, Dr. Adam cautions against jumping to conclusions:<\/p>\n

“Some advocate giving 5-MTHF directly, but this isn\u2019t a naturally occurring form in food\u2014it\u2019s a synthesised compound. More importantly, there\u2019s no specific absorption route for it, so much of it may be metabolised and not even reach the bloodstream intact.<\/i>“<\/p>\n

Moreover, studies supporting 5-MTHF supplementation are primarily in vitro (outside the body) or lack meaningful outcomes like disease prevention.<\/p>\n

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Why Form Uses Folic Acid<\/h1>\n

Form chooses to include folic acid in our supplements for one very clear reason: It works\u2014and it\u2019s backed by decades of rigorous evidence.<\/p>\n

\u201cFolic acid is the only form of folate shown to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in developing embryos,<\/i>\u201d Dr. Adam emphasizes. “This benefit holds true even for people with MTHFR variants.<\/i>“<\/p>\n

This is why global health authorities\u2014including the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention\u2014recommend folic acid supplementation, especially for women of childbearing age.<\/p>\n

A Holistic Look: B12, B2, and the Bigger Picture<\/h1>\n

While folate (B9) gets a lot of attention, it doesn’t act alone. It works hand-in-hand with other B vitamins, especially B12 and B2, within the one-carbon metabolism pathway, which plays a key role in DNA repair, neurotransmitter production, and methylation.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have to look at folate in context,<\/i>\u201d says Dr. Adam. \u201cYou could have enough folate, but if your B12 status is poor\u2014something common in plant-based diets\u2014you\u2019ll still run into issues with methylation.<\/i>\u201d<\/p>\n

That\u2019s why all of Form\u2019s products are designed with synergy in mind, combining essential B vitamins to optimise function and support wellbeing\u2014particularly important for those following a plant-based lifestyle.<\/p>\n

The Bottom Line<\/h1>\n

Despite the buzz around MTHFR mutations and alternative folate forms, folic acid remains the most effective, safe, and well-researched option for supplementation. At Form, we include it with confidence, knowing it supports a diverse range of physiological functions\u2014from energy metabolism to neural development\u2014backed by both science and efficacy.<\/p>\n

So if you\u2019ve been concerned about folic acid or wondering if you should be taking 5-MTHF instead, rest assured: the science supports what we do\u2014and so does Dr. Adam.<\/p>\n

References<\/span><\/p>\n