The Role of Folate in Pregnancy and Health

Folate is a very important nutrient in our body and especially in women, particularly in pregnancy. It assists in cell division, DNA synthesis and neural tube development in the growing fetus. Knowing the importance it holds may make all the difference in having a healthy pregnancy. This blog looks at the important role that folate plays in pregnancy and health and how methyl folate supplements  can help you.

What is folate and why is it important?

Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is a water soluble vitamin found naturally in a variety of foods. Foods rich in folate include leafy green vegetables, beans, peas and nuts. The human body utilizes dietary folate to make and constantly replace new cells and it also plays a critical role in the synthesis of DNA and RNA. This is important for pregnant women wherein folate helps ensure proper fetal growth and development.

The role of folate in pregnancy

Folate is an especially critical nutrient in pregnancy for the prevention of birth defects. A deficiency in folate has the most serious consequences affecting the nervous system of an embryo. For the most part these disorders begin very early in a pregnancy and often even before a woman knows that she is pregnant. Proper intake of folate should therefore begin before pregnancy.

In early weeks of pregnancy, folate and seaweed are a part of proper development of the neural tube that will eventually become the baby's brain and spinal cord. A sufficient intake of folate before and during the time of conception and early in pregnancy can greatly reduce the risk of these serious birth defects.

Folate deficiency: A Common Worry

However, this nutrient is consumed in amounts that are well below the daily recommendations mainly by pregnant women. Its deficiency could trigger health problems that range from generalized symptoms of fatigue and weakness to rather serious conditions such as megaloblastic anemia. During pregnancy, a deficiency may further increase the risk of premature birth, growth retardation and low birth weight.

Folate deficiency ICD 10 codes

The medical diagnosis and classification of folate deficiency would fall under ICD 10 codes like D53.0 for folate deficiency anemia and E53.8 for other specified vitamin B deficiencies. Such codes are thus applied by health professionals when keeping track of diagnosed cases and symptoms that might be attributed to a deficiency in the level of folate and related health conditions. If you suspect the levels of folate in your blood are below normal seek medical consultation with a healthcare professional for proper tests and diagnosis.

Methylfolate vs. Folic Acid

Although folate occurs naturally in foods, most supplements and fortified foods contain a synthetic form of folate called folic acid. That synthetic form is given to pregnant women because it is more stable and less likely to break down during storage. In individuals with a specific genetic condition, however, so-called MTHFR mutations folic acid cannot be adequately converted into its active form in the body. Methyl folate supplements might be a better option in that case.

Methylfolate is the biologically active form of folate which is directly presented for use by the human organism. Unlike folic acid, methylfolate requires no additional enzymatic transformations in the liver and thus may be preferable to folic acid in a certain category of people. A supplement with methylfolate ensures that the body gets all the folate it needs in case regular absorption or metabolism of folic acid presents a problem.

Benefits of Methyl folate

One of the most important benefits of methyl folate supplementation has to do with increasing the level of folate absorption and utilization in your body. Methylfolate is a ready source of this bioavailable form of the vitamin that would not need to be converted by the body into folic acid. This could be of particular importance for the group of people who suffer from some genetic disorders such as the MTHFR mutation.

Methylfolate might help with the following:

Healthy Cell Division: Methylfolate is an active form of folate, which makes it an important nutrient required in cell growth and replication particularly during pregnancy.

Optimal Fetal Development: Ensures appropriate neural tube formation and reduces birth defects.

Methylfolate is associated with improved mood and cognition, translating to improved mental health.

Folate Reductase E. coli and Folate Absorption

Folate reductase e coli is an enzyme that converts folate to its active form, making it an enzyme of critical importance in the absorption of folate. Sometimes, normal folate absorption may be inhibited in the gut by the action of bacteria, especially E. coli. Certain strains of E. coli have been found to impair folate metabolism thus contributing to a deficiency.

Gut and digestive health is very vital for better absorption of folate. A diet high in fiber, probiotics, and other nutrients that support gut health can enhance folate absorption, enabling the body to get the most out of the folate in one's diet or supplement.

How can you ensure adequate folate intake?

Following are some tips to ensure adequate intake of folate:

Consume a diet abundant in foods that supply folate, including leafy greens, citrus fruits, legumes and whole grains.

Consider supplements: Supplementation with folate is often advised, especially when trying for, or in pregnancy itself. In cases of poor absorption of regular folic acid consideration can be made for supplementation with methylfolate.

When to see a healthcare professional: If you think you may have a deficiency in folate or conditions such as the MTHFR mutation you may wish to speak with your doctor about testing your levels of folate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Folate and Pregnancy

1. How much folate is recommended daily during the course of pregnancy?

The current recommendations for pregnant women are 600 mcg of folate but a recommendation is to supplement 400 mcg of folic acid before conceiving. 

2. Is it possible to get enough folate from food? 

While appropriate levels of folate can be achieved through dietary intake, most health professionals recommend folic acid supplements to pregnant women to ensure adequate levels of the nutrient right from the start of pregnancy. 

3. What are the symptoms of folate deficiency? 

Symptoms of folate deficiency often include fatigue, pale skin, weakness and irritability. Severe deficiency may result in megaloblastic anemia and several other complications. 

4. How Much Folate Do I Need? 

Yes, high intake of folate through supplements may result in gastrointestinal problems and sleep disorders, among other adverse effects. Due attention needs to be given to the level of intake recommended and a physician consulted before the use of any supplement. 

5. Is methylfolate better than folic acid?

For those with certain genetic conditions such as the MTHFR mutation methylfolate may be a better choice because this is the active form of folate and does not need to be converted. You should always consult your healthcare provider regarding which type of folate might be best for you. 

Conclusion 

Folate is a very critical nutrient for pregnancy and good health in general. It prevents birth defects, helps in cell division and ensures proper development of the fetus. Whether you wish to supplement with folate through nutrition or methyl folate supplements, it is really important to make sure that you are getting enough of this very important nutrient at any point in time and more especially when pregnant. If you ever have any concerns about your folate levels or whether methyl folate supplements are right for you, speak with your healthcare professional; they are going to be able to advise you best on a personal basis. Be proactive when it comes to your health and take every action you can to support the best health for yourself and your baby. For more information on Folate, Pregnancy Health and how we at MyHomeDoc Telehealth can help please contact us today!