What is the Difference Between Folate and Folic Acid?

Anyone who looks at a nutritional label knows there are so many things listed. And checking into actual information on healthy eating expands the list. How can we know what we should be eating? Part of the confusion is some of them are so similar, with names that can be tough to keep track of. Folic acid and folate are a good example. Doctors will tell you folic acid is a necessary part of a healthy diet, and also tell you folate is basically the same thing as folic acid. But is it?

Folate is a very broad term that basically refers to all the B vitamins. Folic acid is a synthesized substance that has long been used to enrich food; to add more nutrient value to it. Folates are the natural version of this, the original form of the artificial additive.

This difference is key, because the body processes them differently. Folates can be absorbed directly, while folic acid needs to be subjected to additional steps by the liver before the body can make use of it. These extra steps can lead to problems if you consume too much folic acid. With it being added to so many foods, that can be a problem that creeps up on you. So keep reading labels, and be aware of what you’re eating. Especially if you’re using vitamin and nutritional supplements.