From the FDA Drug Label
Naturally occurring conjugated folates are reduced enzymatically to folic acid in the gastrointestinal tract prior to absorption.
Folic acid does occur in nature, as it is derived from naturally occurring conjugated folates. 1
From the Research
Folic acid itself does not occur naturally in nature, but rather its natural form, folate, is found in various foods. The distinction between folic acid and folate is crucial, as they differ in their chemical structure and absorption rates, despite serving the same biological functions 2. Folate is naturally present in leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale, fruits, beans, liver, and other animal products. The body converts both natural folate and synthetic folic acid into the active form called 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, which is essential for DNA synthesis, cell division, and preventing certain birth defects. According to a recent study, folic acid is generally better absorbed than natural folate, which is why it's commonly used in supplements and food fortification programs aimed at preventing folate deficiency and neural tube defects in developing fetuses 3. Some key points to consider include:
- Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate used in supplements and food fortification
- Folate is the natural form found in foods
- Both forms are essential for preventing birth defects and ensuring proper DNA synthesis and cell division
- Folic acid is better absorbed than natural folate, making it a preferred choice for supplementation and fortification programs 4. It's worth noting that while the provided studies discuss various aspects of folate and folic acid deficiency, the most recent and highest quality study 3 supports the use of folic acid in preventing folate deficiency and related complications.