Folic Acid

Methylfolate, the biologically active form of folate, bypasses enzymatic conversion and is the recommended replacement for synthetic folic acid, especially for people with MTHFR variants. Folate (the active form) or dark leafy greens are safer alternatives to folic acid supplementation. 30–40% of the world population has an MTHFR gene variant that impairs conversion of folic acid to folate. When unmetabolized folic acid accumulates, it masks B12 deficiency so that blood markers appear normal while neurological damage progresses silently. Elevated unmetabolized folic acid is associated with increased cancer risk and suppressed immune function. Consuming folic acid in supplements and fortified foods is a widespread unrecognized risk affecting 30–40% of people. Synthetic folic acid is added to a wide range of fortified and enriched foods including cereals, breads, pasta, and grain-based products.