Laura Lewis, MS
Why L-Methylfolate is Superior to Folic Acid for Expectant Mothers
Folate, a B-vitamin, is one of the most important nutrients for a healthy pregnancy.* Folate during pregnancy supports fetal development, maternal health, and supports normal development of the neural tube.* [1]
However, not all forms of folate are created equally. Expectant mothers have often been advised to take folic acid, the synthetic form of folate. But recent research suggests that L-Methylfolate, the active form of folate, may be a superior option for many women.* [2]
In this article, we’ll explore the multiple roles folate plays during pregnancy and why L-Methylfolate should be considered over folic acid, regardless of your genetics.*
Why Folate is Critical During Pregnancy
Folate is essential for several key biological processes during pregnancy.* These processes can affect both the mother and the developing baby.
1. Supports Neural Tube Development*
One of the most well-known roles of folate is its involvement in the formation of the baby’s neural tube. The neural tube develops into the brain and spinal cord in the first 12-14 weeks of pregnancy. [1] Because much of this development happens before many women can confirm they are pregnant, adequate folate levels before becoming pregnant are just as important as folate levels during the early stages of pregnancy. [1] This is why folate supplementation is recommended before and during early pregnancy.
2. Promotes Healthy Cell Growth and Division*
Folate is critical for DNA synthesis, which is necessary for cell growth and division.* [3] While it is obvious that normal cell growth is necessary for a healthy baby, the baby is not the only person growing rapidly during pregnancy.
A mother’s body undergoes rapid cell growth too. This includes development of the placenta and umbilical cord, amniotic sac and fluid, new blood vessels, increased blood volume, reinforcement of the uterine wall, and more. [4] Folate supports the growth of these new cells and their functions.* It helps to optimize and maintain the mother’s tissues and organs for the best outcomes during pregnancy.*
3. Supports Healthy Methylation*
Active L-Methylfolate supports healthy Methylation for cardiovascular, cognitive and bone health, in both mother and baby.* In addition, folate plays a role in the normal metabolism of homocysteine via Methylation.*
Why L-Methylfolate is Superior to Folic Acid
For years, folic acid has been the standard recommendation for pregnant women. However, growing evidence shows that L-Methylfolate, the bioactive form of folate, may be a better option, particularly for women who have difficulty converting folic acid into its usable form.* [2]
1. Folate Metabolism and MTHFR Gene Variants
To be used by the body, folic acid must go through several metabolic steps, eventually converting to L-Methylfolate, the form of folate the body can use. However, more than half of the global population carry a genetic variant in the MTHFR gene, which impairs their ability to convert folic acid into L-Methylfolate efficiently. [7,8] Women with this genetic variation may not get enough active folate from folic acid supplements.*
L-Methylfolate bypasses the need for this conversion process. As the active form of folate, it is immediately available for the body to use, making it a more reliable option for supporting pregnancy, particularly for women with the MTHFR variant.* [8,2]
2. Better Absorption and Bioavailability
Studies show that L-Methylfolate has better bioavailability versus folic acid, meaning it is easier to absorb and utilize in the body.* [8] During pregnancy, nutrient demands are higher and due to a changing microbiome, absorption can become less efficient. [9] L-Methylfolate supports both their health and their baby’s development.*
3. Minimize Unmetabolized Folic Acid
When folic acid isn’t fully converted into active folate, it can build up in the bloodstream as unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA). [10,11] Research is still ascertaining what, if any, health effects this compound may have in the body or if it may affect certain people differently than others. [10,11] Because L-Methylfolate doesn’t require conversion, there is no UMFA buildup. [11]
Final Thoughts
Given the valuable roles folate plays during pregnancy and the widespread presence of the MTHFR gene variant, L-Methylfolate is worth considering over folic acid. Its superior bioavailability and ability to bypass genetic limitations make it a smart choice for folate supplementation.*
Please, especially during a vulnerable time like pregnancy, talk to your healthcare practitioner about any new supplement and let them guide you to a dosage that makes sense for your unique needs.
Disclaimer:
The information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult your physician or healthcare practitioner if you have specific questions before instituting any changes in your daily lifestyle including changes in diet, exercise, and supplement use.
Laura Lewis is a clinical researcher and science communicator with a Master of Science degree and a background in nutrition science and integrative health. She brings a decade of experience translating complex clinical data into accessible insights for healthcare practitioners and patients alike.
Laura has contributed to educational programming and strategic content development across the integrative and functional medicine space. Her strengths lie in evidence synthesis, practitioner engagement, and crafting communications that bridge the gap between scientific rigor and real-world application. At ARG, Laura supports clinical content development and educational initiatives that elevate practitioner confidence and product credibility.