How to Choose the Right Folic Acid Tablets

Folic acid is a B-vitamin that can be found in certain foods, such as liver, green leafy vegetables, legumes and some fruits. Because many people don’t get enough folic acid in their daily diets, however, the vitamin can also be obtained through nutritional supplements. The problem is, not all of these supplements are created equal, and some are better than others. To ensure that you are taking the best folic acid tablets for your needs, you should consider the following.

What are folate supplements?

Methylated folic acid, also referred to as methylfolate, is a nutrient that belongs to the vitamin B family. Folate is responsible for converting carbohydrates into glucose. It is also essential in the formation of red blood cells as well as the division and detoxification of cells.

Recent research indicates that up to 50% of the population is unable to convert folic acid into absorbable folate. This genetic difference can mask vitamin B12 deficiency and lead to a host of other health problems, including potential birth defects. As awareness of the body’s need for folate has grown, along with the risk of folic acid not always being an effective form of supplementation, methylated folate has subsequently increased in popularity.

Types of Methylfolate

When evaluating folic acid tablets, it’s important to note that there are a number of different versions of Methylfolate available. Determining which is best ultimately depends on each person’s degree of deficiency. The doctor who diagnosed your deficiency should be the one to decide the best Methylfolate version for you. Once you’ve got this information, the following three criteria can help you determine the best folic acid tablets to take.

Quality

First and foremost, you’ll want to evaluate the quality of the product you’re considering before you begin taking it. Many of the methylfolate products on the market today are filled with unnecessary and even sometimes harmful ingredients. The best folic acid tablets contain no junk and no fillers. Ideally, you should look for a company that uses only the highest quality ingredients from cGMP-compliant (“current Good Manufacturing Practices,”) ingredient manufacturers. This ensures the highest standards of care are being used in the production of the supplements.

Dosage

One of the biggest differences between methylfolate products is their dosages. This is also one of the most important factors to consider when evaluating your options. Prescription methylfolate comes in higher dosages, which is approved by the FDA but doesn’t necessarily work for everyone. Those who are not able to tolerate large doses are far better off taking lower dosage options, such as those offered online without a prescription. This factor should be discussed with your doctor for further clarification and guidance.

Customization

No two people are the same, which means there’s no cookie-cutter approach to folate supplementation. It’s important to follow an appropriate supplement protocol that is designed to work with your body and address its unique needs. Again, working with a physician can help you develop a customized approach that will ensure you end up with the right dosage and product.

What are the best folic acid tablets to take? There’s no magic answer for everyone because each person has their own needs. The tips above, however, should help point you in the right direction so you can get on the path to better health.

Reference:

http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/what-is-methylated-folate/