Folic acid and prenatal?

[Angel022605]

I've read in an article that to never use folic acid and prenatal vits with synthetic folic acid because it's does the opposite for women TTC. In fact the writer says use a natural Folate supplement. I've ALWAYS heard that folic acid and prenatal vits are the BEST thing you can do while TTC.
Here's a copy of the article:

"Most prenatal vitamins on the market contain folic acid, which is the LAST thing you should be taking if you're having trouble getting pregnant. I know it's been drilled into our heads that we need more folic acid during our childbearing years, but that advice is dead wrong.

The truth is, in many women (including myself) have a specific genetic mutation called MTHFR that affects a process called methylation. The science is really complex, but basically it breaks down to this—taking synthetic folic acid disrupts a critical process that plays a huge role in several important systems, including ones responsible for fertility and growing healthy babies.

The nutrient we actually need is folate, NOT folic acid. Supplementing with the wrong thing can have disastrous results for your fertility if you happen to have this gene mutation (and the only way to know for sure is to have a DNA test)."
Sorry this is so long. What doe you guys think? What's your opinion?

 

[kittiecat]

Hmmmm I've never heard of this before! Do you have a link to the article?

 

[Angel022605]

Hmmmm I've never heard of this before! Do you have a link to the article?

I subscribed to fertilityfix.com and I pulled this info that was sent to my email. The writers name is Kelly(no last name listed).

 

[kittiecat]

It sounds interesting! I had a read around about it and it is valid. Think I might make a note about this and if we get referred to a specialist (we have begun fertility testing) then I might see if they can test me for it!

 

[Bookaddict]

My doc just prescribed both things for me but I am currently only taking the prenatal, not the extra folic acid. There are so many contradictory things out there.

 

[Libbystepof4]

I had recently come across an article claiming the same thing. If worried me because I justvthough, yeah try finding a prenatal without the folicacid! Usually at least part of it is not from follate, even in those that actually do contain the follate!
I will be asking my GP his thoughts Friday since I have an unrelated appointment anyway!

 

[stiletto_mom]

It seems like it may hold some water. This article here talks about the differences and have peer-reviewed citations.

https://chriskresser.com/folate-vs-folic-acid/

 

[littlelily]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/reviews/B001JB25NO?ie=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0

This is kind of related. Reviews on Pregnacare preconception.

Think I will just get some pure follate?

 

[Libbystepof4]

Just got rid of my prenatal. Ordered some folate. So frustrating to think you're doing the right thing. Having trouble finding another prenatal without the folic acid so I ordered some individuals: choline, iodine, calcium, iron, omega3 with DHA. I'm reading that these are some of the more important ones. Sigh.

 

[Camichelle]

It's so frustrating! I was diagnosed with homozygous mthfr (2 bad copies of the gene) and the re prescribed high dose folic acid which goes against everything I've read on the mutation. When I questioned her on it she said not to believe everything on the Internet and that high dose folic acid is fine. I have no clue what I should be taking!

 

[sweetB]

I know this to be true. The thing is, the folic acid is ONLY harmful to people who have the mthfr genetic mutation. You wouldn't know you had it unless you're tested. If a woman has had multiple pregnancy losses, in my opinion it would be worth it to get tested for sure, because there is a link between miscarriage and mthfr.

My gyno had me taking lots of folic acid, and then I was tested and found I had two copies of the mthfr gene. This meant my body couldn't process the folic acid I was taking, and the buildup of it in my system could actually hurt my chances of conception. Now I take a new prenatal that has folate not folic acid, which my body can process (Thorne Prenatals). Most docs don't know much about mthfr, but more info/research is coming out all the time. If someone needs more info feel free to msg me- it is all very overwhelming at first I know!

 

[Libbystepof4]

Just came from my GP. Asked him about this. He said that he's never heard anything like this but will be looking out for anything related. He said for now, the risk in having no folic acid is greater to a potential fetus than the risk of this being for real on a large scale. He said if he finds out anything he will be happy to amend his statement but for now, better to take it. I've got folate now so it doesn't much matter for me, but just reporting what he said.

 

[littlelily]

I know this to be true. The thing is, the folic acid is ONLY harmful to people who have the mthfr genetic mutation. You wouldn't know you had it unless you're tested. If a woman has had multiple pregnancy losses, in my opinion it would be worth it to get tested for sure, because there is a link between miscarriage and mthfr.

My gyno had me taking lots of folic acid, and then I was tested and found I had two copies of the mthfr gene. This meant my body couldn't process the folic acid I was taking, and the buildup of it in my system could actually hurt my chances of conception. Now I take a new prenatal that has folate not folic acid, which my body can process (Thorne Prenatals). Most docs don't know much about mthfr, but more info/research is coming out all the time. If someone needs more info feel free to msg me- it is all very overwhelming at first I know!

So, sweetB, would you recommend folate instead of folic acid if you haven't been tested just in case? What other prenatals do you take?

Thanks for the advice

 

[littlelily]

If you’re pregnant or trying to get pregnant, you may want to supplement with 600-800 mcg of folate per day, depending on your dietary intake. Keep in mind that the recommendations for folate is more than folic acid since it’s not as easily absorbed.

From:https://www.thankyourbody.com/folate-vs-folic-acid-for-pregnancy/

 

[sweetB]

I agree with Libby's dr that not having any folate/folic acid would be worse than taking the wrong kind. But if you read labels, you'll notice lots of foods are fortified with folic acid, so you may be getting more than you realize anyway (I try to avoid them now, but it's nearly impossible if I eat anything made with flour).

I read somewhere that 30% of people have at least one "bad" copy of the gene- if you have just one bad copy, you can still process folic acid using the "good" one, but the ability is reduced since the bad one can't process it. But if you don't know your mthfr status at all and can afford it, I suggest getting a prenatal with folate instead to err on the side of caution. There is really no downside besides the cost. Prenatals with folate usually cost more than those with folic acid- folic acid is cheap to make! AND if you've had a loss and don't know your status, I highly suggest folate just to be safe.

Personally, I take either Thorne Prenatals or Seeking Health Optimal Prenatal Powder (chocolate) as my main prenatal. Then I take extra magnesium, vitamin D, and a probiotic. In the past I have taken all sorts of other supplements (extra folate, B6, b12, vit c, baby aspirin, etc), but they didn't cause me to get pregnant in the past 4 months so I am going back to the basics now

 

[littlelily]

Thanks for the tips! Very helpful, ordered my Thorne prenatals today. How many do you take a day to get the correct amount of folate?

 

[sweetB]

I just take the three as recommended on the bottle which gives plenty. You have to really go by how your body feels to know if you're taking too much or might need more. I suggest doing a search about overmethyation and undermethylation to learn more about how much might end up being right for you.

 

[Oldermummy78]

Oh this is so confusing I don't know what to do I just started my first pack of pregnacare conception and now I read all these bad reviews, only heard good I till I swallowed my first one

 

[crownest]

There is a current campaign on in Ireland reminding people to take folic acid. Apparently spina bifida is on the rise again as women aren't as strict taking it.