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Fertility advice I would NEVER GIVE

folate folic acid
Fertility advice I would NEVER GIVE

❎ Take folic acid

Yes, folic acid can help prevent neural tube defects (NTDs), but…

➡️ It doesn’t prevent ALL NTDs

➡️ It’s not the ONLY nutrient that prevents NTDs

➡️ It can also create a functional folate deficiency

➡️ It can cover up a Vitamin B12 deficiency

➡️ Preconception intake is linked to tongue ties

➡️ We are still learning the consequences of unmetabolized folic acid

Folic acid is also synthetic and has to be converted into folate.

Your body can only do this 200 mcg at a time.

Anything else may remain unmetabolized. 

40-60% of the population has a polymorphism (MTHFR) that makes the conversion of folic acid into folate difficult.

So what about methylated nutrients? Not so fast...

There is a decently large percentage of the population that are “overmethylators.” This would wreck them and make their issues worse.

To truly understand what you SHOULD be supplementing:

✅ Work with a practitioner that actually understands not only MTHFR, but overmethylation v. undermethylation

✅ Implement a genetically-appropriate supplement routine that will support your biology and fertility

References:

Amitai, Y. Shental, H. Atkins-Manelis, L. Koren, G. Zamir, C.S. (2020). Pre-conceptional folic acid supplementation: A possible cause for the increasing rates of ankyloglossia. Retrieved from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31835174/.

CDC. (2018). General Information About NTDs, Folic Acid, and Folate. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/folicacid/faqs/faqs-general-info.html#:~:text=The%20terms%20%E2%80%9Cfolic%20acid%E2%80%9D%20and,(5%2DMTHF)%201..

Fallon, S. Cowan, T.S. (2013, 2015). The Nourishing Traditions Book of Baby and Child Care. Washington, D.C.: NewTrends Publishing.

Greenberg, J.A. Bell, S.J. (2011). Multivitamin Supplementation During Pregnancy: Emphasis on Folic Acid and l-Methylfolate. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3250974/.

Nichols, L. FOLATE: WHY IT’S SUPERIOR TO FOLIC ACID FOR PREGNANCY (EVEN IF YOU DON’T HAVE MTHFR). Retrieved from: https://lilynicholsrdn.com/folate-pregnancy-folic-acid-mthfr/.

Reynolds, E.H. (2002). Benefits and risks of folic acid to the nervous system. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1737896/.

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Remember: this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here. While the owner of this website tries to keep the information up to date, there may be things that are out-of-date and out of their control.