FAQ's
Q: Is Methyl Folate the same thing as folic acid?
A:No, they are different forms of vitamin B9 (not B6). Methyl folate (also known as 5-MTHF) is the active, bioavailable form of folate found naturally in food, while folic acid is a synthetic form commonly used in fortified foods and supplements.Folic acid must be converted into methyl folate in the body before it can be used. Some individuals have a common genetic variation (MTHFR mutation) that may limit their ability to make this conversion efficiently.
Q: The supplement facts say DFE. What is DFE?
A:DFE stands for Dietary Folate Equivalent. This unit helps account for differences in the bioavailability of folate from food versus folic acid and methyl folate in supplements. It is used to standardize how much folate you are actully getting, regardless of the source.posed to make it easier to determine overall folate received from food sources and supplements.
Q: Why do you refer to Vitamin B6 as methyl folate rather than folic acid?
A:Methyl Folate is the naturally occurring form of vitamin B9 (folate), whereas folic acid (the synthetic form) must first be converted into methyl folate. This is important for individuals who have difficulty converting folic acid due to genetic factors. Almost half the population has a gene mutation that prohibits the body from converting and using folic acid.