Prenatal methylfolate supplementation will be discussed in detail in this article. Folic acid, unlike L-methylfolate, is not physiologically active until MTHFR is activated. In contrast, L-methylfolate does not. As a result, there is no way to verify whether or not it works or is safe because it is not a prescription medication.
UKTIS has received numerous inquiries on whether frequent use of methylfolate offers a better alternative to folic acid use in pregnancy due to the fact that the body does not need to convert it into a physiologically active form.
In women who have a family history of neural tube abnormalities, are using medicines that interfere with folate metabolism, or are obese during pregnancy, they are more likely to develop folate shortage than other women. It is recommended that you take 5mg of folic acid daily.
MTHFR mutations
Homocysteine levels that are associated with recurrent miscarriages are linked to MTHFR mutations, which cause them.
When proteins are broken down in the body, an amino acid called homocysteine is released into the bloodstream. Although it isn’t dangerous at low doses, it may cause a disease called hypercoagulability, in which your blood clots more readily than it should. The increased clotting induced by excessive homocysteine levels puts pregnant women at greater risk of miscarriage, preeclampsia, and possibly premature delivery.
Homocysteine levels rise for a variety of reasons. When homocysteine builds up in the body owing to a shortage of methylfolate (the active form of folic acid), it may be a warning sign. Methylfolate helps convert homocysteine into methionine (a safe amino acid).
This finding indicates that the MTHFR genetic variant may be involved in repeated pregnancy loss, since high homocysteine levels have been linked to high homocysteine levels.
Methylene folate exposure during pregnancy usually does not need preterm delivery or further monitoring of the foetus.
The use of folic acid is generally recommended for all women, whether or not they are trying to conceive. Since folic acid is crucial for the proper development of the unborn child, pregnant women are encouraged to take it.
Folic acid may also assist to reduce the risk of preterm birth and heart abnormalities in children who get it during pregnancy. Folic acid’s source differs greatly across prenatal vitamins. Folic acid may be replaced with L-methylfolate, a more accessible form of the vitamin.
If taken early in pregnancy, the B9 vitamin (L-methylfolate) may help reduce brain and spine birth defects. Adults should take in 400 micrograms of folate per day, according to current recommendations. A daily dose of 400 to 1000 micrograms of folic acid should be taken by women who are either attempting to conceive or are currently pregnant.
Conclusion
The body doesn’t make folic acid itself it is a man-made version of folate and through MTHFR enzymes convert into l-methylfolate. It is the active form of folate that absorb in our body. If any women don’t have MTHFR gene mutation they can safely take folic acid supplements as using this supplement while pregnant is completely safe. L-methylfolate is good for those women who have MTHFR gene mutation as their body is incapable of doing methylation. Due to lake of folate in the body, there is a high chance of miscarriage. L-methylfolate is completely safe because this is the actual form of folate our body required. If anyone takes folic acid it also converts to l-methylfolate by methylation process. A folic acid is a synthetic form while methylfolate is a natural form.
