What is the difference between folic acid and folate?

Folic acid and folate are both forms of vitamin B9, but there are important differences between the two. Folic Acid : This is the synthetic form of vitamin B9, commonly found in supplements and fortified foods. While it is effective in raising folate levels in the blood, it needs to be converted into the active form of folate by the body in multiple steps. Some people have a genetic variation that makes this conversion less efficient. Folate : This is the naturally occurring form of vitamin B9, found in foods like leafy greens, legumes, and fruits. Folate is more readily absorbed and utilised by the body, especially in the form of Quatrefolic®, which is an active and natural form that ensures greater absorption. Because folate is more easily used by the body and doesn't require the same conversion process as folic acid, it is often recommended as the preferred option, particularly for those who have difficulty converting folic acid into its active form.

What is the role of folate in fertility for women?

Folate can support ovarian function and in improving the quality of the embryo, making it an important nutrient for women who are trying to conceive.

Can men benefit from taking folate for fertility?

Yes, folate supports sperm quality and count, making it beneficial for men who are looking to improve their fertility.

Is there a specific amount of folate recommended for those trying to conceive?

The NHS recommends 400μg of Folic Acid per day.

How long before trying to conceive should one start taking folate?

We recommend taking any fertility supplement for at least 3 months when trying to conceive.

Are there foods that are good natural sources of folate?

Yes, folate is naturally found in leafy green vegetables, fruits like bananas and oranges, legumes, and fortified cereals.

Why is folate important during pregnancy?

Folate is crucial for preventing neural tube defects like spina bifida in the developing foetus and also supports overall growth and development.

Can I get enough folate from my diet during pregnancy?

While folate is present in various foods, it may be challenging to get the required 400μg per day through diet alone. The NHS recommends supplements to ensure adequate intake.

Can taking folate reduce the risk of miscarriage?

Some studies suggest that adequate folate levels may lower the risk of miscarriage. More research is required here.

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Folate For Fertility & Pregnancy

£11.95 Save £0.00

A premium folate supplement to support both men and women during preconception and women during pregnancy.

The NHS recommends 400μg folic acid per day during preconception and pregnancy, to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in the developing foetus.

While sometimes used interchangeably, folic acid and active folate are not the same. Folate is the more bioavailable form of folic acid. We use Quatrefolic® for our folate supplements, which is more readily absorbed by the body and we therefore recommend this over folic acid.

Folate can support ovarian function and embryo quality during preconception. During pregnancy, folate is recommended to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in the developing foetus.

In men, folate contributes to the normal production and maintenance of sperm.

Reduces the risk of neural tube defects throughout preconception & pregnancy
Contributes to the normal production and maintenance of sperm
Contains Quatrefolic® for greater absorption
Recommended by the NHS
Contains 30 capsules - one capsule daily serving
One month supply

*Code SALE: This code is valid between 00.01 on 29/11/24 and 23.59 on 02/12/24 (GMT). Excludes pack products. Can be used on one time or subscription purchase. On subscription, the discount is valid on first payment only. After the first month, the standard subscription price will apply. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Zita West terms of the site apply.. Full T&Cs apply.

Capsules
Vegan
Vegetarian
Yeast Free

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Who is it for?

The NHS recommends taking a folic acid supplement throughout fertility and pregnancy.

Research suggests that folate can positively affect ovarian function and may even improve the efficacy of fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF). Adequate folate levels have also been linked to improved embryo quality, which is a key factor for successful implantation and a healthy pregnancy.

During pregnancy, the body also needs to produce extra blood and tissue for the growing foetus. Folate is essential for this process, aiding in the division and growth of cells. Proper levels of Folate help the body effectively absorb nutrients, which is increasingly important during pregnancy when nutritional needs are higher.

In men, folate contributes to the normal production and maintenance of sperm. Folate also plays a role in the creation and repair of DNA. Therefore, it contributes to the genetic quality of the sperm, which is crucial for a healthy pregnancy and baby.

Take one capsule per day or as directed by your healthcare professional

"Folate may improve egg quality, maturation and implantation. There is evidence of association between paternal folate status and sperm quality, fertility, congenital malformations and placental weight.”

- Isabelle Obert (Fertility Nutritionist)

Ingredients

Folate (active form of Folic Acid)

Female Fertility: Important to build stores prior to pregnancy. Needed for the development of red blood cells and DNA production

Male Fertility: Vitally important for the normal functioning of the immune system and for normal cell division

Pregnancy: Known to help prevent spina bifida. Works together with Vitamin B12 to ensure healthy cell-division and normal tissue growth during pregnancy

Postnatal: Promotes the production of new and healthy cells for your body. Supplementation can be valuable as good supplies are hard to get from food alone, especially when breastfeeding

Brown Rice Flour, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (Vegetable Capsule Shell), Quatrefolic® (6S)-5 Methyltetrahydrofolic Acid, Glucosamine Salt.

Allergens: None.

Take 1 capsule per day with a cold drink, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

	Per Daily Dose (1 Capsule)	% NRV*
Folate (as 5-MTHF - Vitamin B9)	400µg	200
*Nutrient Reference Value

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between folic acid and folate?

Folic acid and folate are both forms of vitamin B9, but there are important differences between the two.

Folic Acid: This is the synthetic form of vitamin B9, commonly found in supplements and fortified foods. While it is effective in raising folate levels in the blood, it needs to be converted into the active form of folate by the body in multiple steps. Some people have a genetic variation that makes this conversion less efficient.

Folate: This is the naturally occurring form of vitamin B9, found in foods like leafy greens, legumes, and fruits. Folate is more readily absorbed and utilised by the body, especially in the form of Quatrefolic®, which is an active and natural form that ensures greater absorption.

Because folate is more easily used by the body and doesn't require the same conversion process as folic acid, it is often recommended as the preferred option, particularly for those who have difficulty converting folic acid into its active form.
What is the role of folate in fertility for women?

Folate can support ovarian function and in improving the quality of the embryo, making it an important nutrient for women who are trying to conceive.
Can men benefit from taking folate for fertility?

Yes, folate supports sperm quality and count, making it beneficial for men who are looking to improve their fertility.
Is there a specific amount of folate recommended for those trying to conceive?

The NHS recommends 400μg of Folic Acid per day.
How long before trying to conceive should one start taking folate?

We recommend taking any fertility supplement for at least 3 months when trying to conceive.
Are there foods that are good natural sources of folate?

Yes, folate is naturally found in leafy green vegetables, fruits like bananas and oranges, legumes, and fortified cereals.
Why is folate important during pregnancy?

Folate is crucial for preventing neural tube defects like spina bifida in the developing foetus and also supports overall growth and development.
Can I get enough folate from my diet during pregnancy?

While folate is present in various foods, it may be challenging to get the required 400μg per day through diet alone. The NHS recommends supplements to ensure adequate intake.
Can taking folate reduce the risk of miscarriage?

Some studies suggest that adequate folate levels may lower the risk of miscarriage. More research is required here.

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Folate For Fertility & Pregnancy

Purchase

Delivery Every

Capsules

Vegan

Vegetarian

Yeast Free

Who is it for?

"Folate may improve egg quality, maturation and implantation. There is evidence of association between paternal folate status and sperm quality, fertility, congenital malformations and placental weight.”

Ingredients

Folate (active form of Folic Acid)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between folic acid and folate?

What is the role of folate in fertility for women?

Can men benefit from taking folate for fertility?

Is there a specific amount of folate recommended for those trying to conceive?

How long before trying to conceive should one start taking folate?

Are there foods that are good natural sources of folate?

Why is folate important during pregnancy?

Can I get enough folate from my diet during pregnancy?

Can taking folate reduce the risk of miscarriage?

Related blogs

Why should I take folate rather than folic acid?

Folate’s Role in Miscarriage Risk Reduction

Folate vs folic acid

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