Refer a Friend and Earn Offers! - Beli Prenatals are HSA/FSA eligible!

Folate vs. Folic Acid and Why it Matters For Fertility and Pregnancy

folic-acid-vs-folate-during-pregnancy-beli-baby

Medically reviewed by Brooke Boskovich, MS, RD, LDN

Among the key nutrients recommended during preconception, pregnancy and the postnatal period is folate. The term folate is often used interchangeably with folic acid, but while both are a form of vitamin B9, there is an important difference. Here’s what to understand about the difference between folate and folic acid, why it matters for fertility and pregnancy, and which option is best for you.

Folate versus Folic Acid

Like many nutrients, vitamin B9 can be synthesized in slightly different chemical structures. Folic acid, an inexpensive, shelf-stable ingredient that can hang out in stores for a very long time, is the form you’re most likely to see in big-brand vitamins for reasons that often benefit the vitamin company more than the person taking it.

Here’s the thing—this synthetic form of vitamin B9 is easily absorbed, but difficult for your body to use. In order to metabolize folic acid, cells first have to do the extra work of converting it into a usable nutrient. This nutrient conversion process is slow and inefficient, which means that the dose of folic acid you take may not be fully metabolized until the next day, when it’s time to take your vitamin again! 

As you might imagine, that’s an issue. Unmetabolized folic acid in the bloodstream has been associated with a laundry list of health concerns. What’s more, between 25 and 60 percent of the population has a genetic variation that decreases the efficiency of this conversion even further, which means they’re getting well below recommended amounts, if any, even when they dutifully take their vitamins.

The key difference between folate and folic acid is the source. Folate is the natural form of vitamin B9 and can be found in leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, and eggs. Unfortunately, many of us simply don’t eat a varied enough diet to ensure we’re getting adequate folate, and that deficit becomes particularly problematic if you’re trying to conceive and carry a healthy pregnancy. That’s why the recommendation for men and women of childbearing age who are trying to become parents is to take a prenatal vitamin with enough folate to support healthy fertility, pregnant, and postpartum recovery.

And Beli has you covered.

Bioavailable, Always

To ensure that parents-to-be are getting enough folate in the most absorbable form, Beli prenatal vitamins for men and women use the active, methylfolate form of folic acid known as 5-MTHF. As far back as 2011, nutritionists were recognizing prenatal supplements formulated with bioavailable nutrients, including methylfolate, as a better way to ensure adequate amounts when they’re needed most.

So we followed the science, formulating our supplements with only the most bioavailable ingredient forms for fertility and prenatal support. Beli’s bioavailable form of MTHF folate is ready to rock right away—it doesn’t need to be converted by your cells before your body can put it to use. It’s not feasible to test every single women trying for a baby for the MTHFR gene variation, and the active form of folate used in our supplements ensures adequate levels of this necessary nutrient for everyone. The superior B9 absorption from methylated folate makes sure your body has access to the folate you need for fertility and family, helping you get pregnant, stay pregnant, and deliver a healthy baby.

What about the CDC’s Recommendations?

If you’re doing any digging into the folate-versus-folic-acid debate, you’re bound to run into the CDC’s stance that folic acid is the only type of folate to help prevent neural tube defects. At one time, research did indeed support this. But it takes an average of 17 years to see changes in standard of practice guidelines, and research moves much faster than that. Clinical studies find MTHF may be a safer and more effective alternative to folic acid for preventing neural tube defects. Interestingly, researchers have also confirmed folic acid as a risk factor for infant and child allergic diseases, a link that dramatically increases with maternal folic acid intake during pregnancy.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), meanwhile, maintains that sufficient folate intake plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of neural tube defects during pregnancy—and there's significant scientific agreement among qualified health experts regarding this matter. Contrary to the belief that folic acid is the sole form of folate that helps in decreasing the incidence of neural tube defects, the FDA takes the position that all biologically active vitamin forms of folate, rather than just synthetic folic acid, are relevant. The big takeaway? The essential factor is maintaining adequate folate levels, achieved through either folic acid or naturally occurring folate.

The Bottom Line

At Beli, we’re committed to science-based recommendations based on the most current peer-reviewed studies. We know you have choices when it comes to prenatal vitamins, and it can feel overwhelming trying to figure out your best option. With Beli, you can trust that we’ve done the research on folate versus folic acid, as well as every other nutrient you need during conception and pregnancy. In addition to safe, effective formulations in the most bioavailable forms, our products are also vegan friendly, gluten and GMO free, made in an FDA-registered facility in the United States, and follow the Good Manufacturing Process Guidelines (CGMP).

Whether you’re trying for a baby or navigating pregnancy, prenatal vitamins should be the last thing you stress about. And when you’re taking Beli prenatals for him and her, you won’t.

Additional Resources

Most births occur between June and early November. Count back nine months, and you’ll see that places most conceptions in the fall and winter. So what’s the deal? Is it the cold weather, all the festivities, or something else driving us between the sheets? That ugly sweater is pretty cute, but you can chalk this up to reproductive seasonality. Here’s what that means, why it matters, and what to do to use it to your advantage.

Read More

Many men overlook how crucial sperm health is until it's too late. Red flag statements can signal poor sperm quality. Whether trying to conceive or maintaining health, recognizing these signs early can impact your fertility and well-being.

Read More

Fall is not just a time for pumpkin spice lattes and cooler weather; it’s also an opportunity to optimize fertility, particularly for men. Cooler temperatures naturally benefit sperm health, while Beli for Men provides the essential nutrients needed to take those benefits even further. 

Read More

Egg quantity and quality are critical aspect of our reproductive well-being. By understanding the ideal number of eggs at various ages, why egg quality and quantity matter, and how to nurture and improve egg health, we can make informed decisions about our fertility and overall health.

Read More

Miscarriage is a complex issue, and while sperm health is just one factor, it's a crucial one. By understanding the statistics and research surrounding miscarriage and sperm health, couples can take proactive steps to improve fertility outcomes. Beli Vitality for Men offers a comprehensive fertility supplement solution, supported by industry research and designed to improve sperm health. By combining Beli Vitality with healthy lifestyle choices, couples can optimize their fertility journey and increase their chances of a successful pregnancy.

Read More

While it’s true that popular hair loss meds work minor miracles on that receding hairline and back-of-the-head bald patch, it’s also true that it can come with side effects—some of them sexual. So, what does that mean in terms of male fertility? Here’s what couples should understand about the effects of popular hair-loss medications on sperm health.

Read More

The long, lazy days of summer aren’t just prime vacation days. Summer could actually be an especially fertile season, which may be of interest to couples who are interested in starting a family. If you’re angling for parenthood this summer, here’s what to know about the season of fertility.

Read More

The summer heat really can have a temporary effect on male fertility, so doing what you can to keep cool, especially if the goal is becoming a dad, is really important. Here are tips to keep you and the boys cool this summer.

Read More

If you’re no stranger to the telltale signs of seasonal allergies—sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, irritated eyes, the works—you’re likely familiar with antihistamines. When you’re actively trying to conceive, there’s more to understand about histamines, seasonal allergies and how it affects your fertility.

Read More

When the plan is a baby, but you’re having a hard time conceiving, it’s normal to start wondering why. While there can be a number of issues in play, one tends to be overlooked: sleep quality. Specifically, men who have the sleep disorder sleep apnea could be at greater risk of fertility issues. Now, new research is drawing a more definitive link between sleep apnea and male fertility. Let’s review.

Read More

Fact: You can’t look at a guy—or eyeball his semen sample, for that matter—and determine his fertility. It just doesn’t work that way. The only way to truly assess sperm health is with a semen analysis. But there are a few lifestyle choices and truths that may indicate whether a man’s sperm is healthy and happy. 

Read More

While PCOS can be a challenging condition to manage, natural supplements like inositol that are included in Beli Preconception Boost offer a beacon of hope. Inositol's ability to improve insulin sensitivity, hormone balance, and ovulatory function makes it a valuable tool in the PCOS management toolkit. 

Read More

The concern that hormonal contraception affects future fertility is making the rounds on social media again. But research continues to show that all that worry is for naught. While birth control doesn’t cause long-term fertility issues, it can mask them by creating an artificial cycle—something that’s important to understand.

Read More

While it’s lumped into the “bodily fluid” category, semen is a complex cocktail of compounds designed to support fertility. Like sperm quality, semen health can be influenced by lifestyle factors—an important realization for couples trying to conceive. From color to consistency, here’s what healthy semen looks like.

Read More

There’s a lot of chatter when it comes to male masturbation and what it says about a man’s fertility or whether it’s an issue when a couple is actively trying to conceive. And in the interest of clearing up the confusion, we’re taking a facts-based approach to the topic of men, masturbation and fertility.

Read More

For many of us, our twenties and even thirties are a time when the focus is on pregnancy prevention. And that’s okay! But even when the idea of motherhood is miles away there is tremendous value in understanding your fertility health and what you can do to support it during these young, carefree days.

Read More

Once a month, PMS symptoms make their unpleasant presence known. And while knowing what’s happening won’t make PMS magically disappear, it can help you manage symptoms by balancing hormones and supporting your reproductive health. Let’s review.

Read More

Raise your hand if you already know that you have a biological clock. From age 35 and beyond, there is a natural decline in testosterone and sperm quality. Just as people lose muscle strength, flexibility and endurance with age, sperm also tend to lose their "fitness" over the life cycle. But what does that mean—and does it really matter?

Read More

It’s an easy assumption, but you’re much better off thinking that every prenatal vitamin is wildly different in terms of composition, nutrient quality and, importantly, nutrient amount. Not only is that actually true, it puts you in the smart consumer mindset of understanding what matters in a prenatal vitamin—and why.

Read More

If you have endometriosis, you can already recite its lengthy list of pretty terrible symptoms. And the standard options for managing those symptoms — medications, hormone therapy, hormonal birth control, estrogen blockers, surgery —  aren’t always great. But there is evidence that a so-called “endometriosis diet” can help.

Read More

Men really do benefit from specialized nutrition in the form of a prenatal vitamin that’s formulated to support sperm health. Here’s what that looks like, and how specific nutrients can impact a man’s fertility health before fatherhood.

Read More

Shilajit is finally getting the credit it’s due, and we’re proud to point out that our proprietary formula was the very first to include this powerful Ayurvedic compound. Here’s why shilajit is rapidly becoming the darling of the male fertility world–and what you’re missing if you’re skipping it.

Read More

Ever wondered why men produce so much darn sperm, especially if only one of them will ultimately fertilize the egg? There are millions of sperm in normal ejaculate because it increases the likelihood that one will reach the egg and seal the deal. It begs the question, what exactly happens on the journey to the egg?

Read More

Optimal nutrition plays a pivotal role in enhancing fertility and supporting a healthy pregnancy. A diet rich in essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats, lays the foundation for reproductive health.

Read More

Is there anything unsexier than scheduled, pressure-ridden, trying-like-hell-to-conceive sex? But good news. We’ve found handy workarounds and tricks of the trade, so forget the basal temperature chart for a second and read on for four ways to keep things hot when you’re TTC.

Read More

If you’re noticing any of these signs, the good news is that it’s simple to make changes. Switching to a high-quality prenatal like Beli's Prenatal—one formulated with chelated minerals, methylated B vitamins, 400 mg of choline, and vegan vitamin D3—can make a world of difference. 

Read More

While PCOS can be a challenging condition to manage, natural supplements like inositol that are included in Beli Preconception Boost offer a beacon of hope. Inositol's ability to improve insulin sensitivity, hormone balance, and ovulatory function makes it a valuable tool in the PCOS management toolkit. 

Read More

Shilajit is finally getting the credit it’s due, and we’re proud to point out that our proprietary formula was the very first to include this powerful Ayurvedic compound. Here’s why shilajit is rapidly becoming the darling of the male fertility world–and what you’re missing if you’re skipping it.

Read More

If you’re noticing any of these signs, the good news is that it’s simple to make changes. Switching to a high-quality prenatal like Beli's Prenatal—one formulated with chelated minerals, methylated B vitamins, 400 mg of choline, and vegan vitamin D3—can make a world of difference. 

Read More

Choline is an overlooked essential nutrient in many prenatal vitamin formulas, and it's a major oversight. Here at Beli, we've been sounding the alarm for years and it's gratifying to see that the market is beginning to catch up. That's thanks in part to articles like "The 7 Best Choline Supplements for Pregnancy, According to a Prenatal Dietitian" from Parents. Spoiler: Beli for Women made the list.

Read More

Optimal nutrition plays a pivotal role in enhancing fertility and supporting a healthy pregnancy. A diet rich in essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats, lays the foundation for reproductive health.

Read More
×

Change Shipping Country

Cancel