Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes in the body. It is essential for normal growth, development, and overall health. It exists in multiple forms, including Folic Acid, 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), Tetrahydrofolate (THF), and more.

Vitamin B9 has several important benefits for the body, including DNA synthesis and cell division, red blood cell formation, supporting neural tube development in the early stages of pregnancy, and homocysteine regulation.

Good dietary sources of folate include leafy green vegetables, legumes, fruits, fortified cereals, and liver.

It is recommended that women of childbearing age consume adequate Folate, ideally through a balanced diet and usage of prenatal supplements, to prevent neural tube defects (NTDs).

The only form of Vitamin B9 or Folate that has been clinically studied to reduce the risk of Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) is Folic Acid.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that all women of reproductive age (15–45 years) supplement with 400 mcg per day of Folic Acid.

The active form of Folate, such as Methylfolate or 5-MTHF, has been shown to be highly bioavailable. It bypasses the need for enzymatic conversion and can be directly utilized by the body. Most prenatal supplement brands include either Folic Acid or Methylfolate.

Ellement typically includes both Folic Acid and Methylfolate to provide customers with full bioavailability as well as alignment with MD-backed recommendations. Furthermore, Ellement allows for customizations of Folate forms to empower customers.

Ellement recommends including both Folic Acid at 400 mcg as well as Methylfolate (specifically 600 mcg of best-in-class Quatrefolic® L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate) to provide customers with full bioavailability as well as alignment with MD-backed recommendations to prevent NTDs.

Ellement also allows for customizations of Folate forms to empower customers with unique prenatal needs.

High doses of B9 can lead to adverse effects including nausea, bloating and other gastrointestinal discomfort. High doses can also mask Vitamin B12 deficiency and delay diagnosis. The safe recommended daily upper limit (UL) is 1000 mcg.

If you have more questions, please email support@helloellement.com.