From the Guidelines
No, Folinobiogen (folate and biotin) is not the same as folic acid. Folinobiogen is a combination supplement that contains two distinct B vitamins: folate (vitamin B9) and biotin (vitamin B7) 1. Folic acid, on the other hand, is specifically the synthetic form of folate alone. While folate is a component of Folinobiogen, this combination product also includes biotin, which serves different functions in the body. Folate/folic acid is essential for cell division, DNA synthesis, and preventing neural tube defects during pregnancy, as evidenced by studies showing a significant reduction in neural tube defects with folic acid supplementation 1.
Key differences between Folinobiogen and folic acid include:
- Folinobiogen contains both folate and biotin, whereas folic acid supplements contain only the synthetic form of folate
- Folate/folic acid is crucial for preventing neural tube defects, while biotin supports metabolism and promotes healthy hair, skin, and nails
- The appropriate choice between Folinobiogen and folic acid depends on individual nutritional needs, which should be determined in consultation with a healthcare provider 1
It's also important to note that the effectiveness of folic acid in preventing neural tube defects has been well-established, with studies showing a significant reduction in risk when taken before conception and during early pregnancy 1. In contrast, the benefits of biotin supplementation are less clear, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects on human health. Therefore, when considering supplementation, it's essential to prioritize folic acid for its proven benefits in preventing neural tube defects, while also considering individual nutritional needs and consulting with a healthcare provider 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Folic acid acts on megaloblastic bone marrow to produce a normoblastic marrow. Folic acid is the precursor of tetrahydrofolic acid, which is involved as a cofactor for transformylation reactions in the biosynthesis of purines and thymidylates of nucleic acids
Folinobiogen is not the same as folic acid, as it is a combination of folate and biotin. The provided drug label only discusses folic acid, with no mention of Folinobiogen or biotin. 2
From the Research
Folinobiogen and Folic Acid
- Folinobiogen is a combination of folate and biotin, whereas folic acid is a synthetic form of folate.
- Folic acid is used to prevent neural tube defects, and it has been shown to improve cognitive function in some cases 3.
- However, folic acid may not be the same as naturally occurring folate, and it may have different effects on the body 4, 5.
- Folinobiogen, on the other hand, contains biotin in addition to folate, which may have additional benefits for health.
Comparison of Folic Acid and Folate
- Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate that must be converted to its active form in the body 4.
- Naturally occurring folate, such as 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), is better absorbed and utilized by the body than folic acid 4, 5.
- 5-MTHF has been shown to have advantages over folic acid, including reduced potential for masking haematological symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency and reduced interactions with certain drugs 4, 5.
Potential Risks and Benefits of Folic Acid
- High intake of folic acid may be associated with decreased natural killer cell cytotoxicity and reduced response to antifolate drugs 6.
- Folic acid may also be associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment and anemia in the elderly, particularly when combined with low vitamin B12 status 6.
- However, folic acid has been shown to improve cognitive function in some cases, particularly when combined with vitamin B12 3.