What is the importance of such nutrition during pregnancy?

Picture yourself in the pharmacy aisle. Twelve weeks pregnant and gazing at the container of vitamins. You’ve done everything right you’re eating the right things and breathing in and out. But then you flip over a bottle and notice that the first ingredient is “Methylated Folate (L-methylfolate)” and not the old standard “Folic Acid” that your mother said was good to take…and you panic. Aren’t they both the same?

For many years, health professionals have used the words “folate” and “folic acid” interchangeably. However, studies in recent years, genetic research and cellular biochemistry show that how you metabolise these essential nutrients can differ exponentially. For a pregnant mother, selecting the appropriate type of this important cellular nutrient may be one of the most significant cellular choices you make for your developing child.

The Molecular Breakdown: Folate vs Folic Acid

To get an idea of the difference. First we need to look at how these are found in nature compared to how they are made in the laboratory. For example Vitamin B9 which is critical for making DNA.

• Folate: is the natural form of B9 that comes from foods such as dark green leafy vegetables and beans.
• Folic acid: a man made, oxidised form of folate produced in 1943. It is very shelf-stable, and it is found in many fortified processed foods (flour, cereals) and in standard multi-vitamin products.

The problem is here: folic acid is biologically inactive. The minute you put folic acid into your body, it is useless. The body has to put it through multiple enzymatic conversions in the liver and intestines to make this usable substance for every cell in the body: L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (L-methylfolate).

The MTHFR Gene Connection

The transformation of synthetic folic acid to active folate depends on a single enzyme.

Current worldwide genetic screening reveals that anywhere from 40% to 60% of the population carries an MTHFR mutation. If your genetic combination is present, your body is unable to convert synthetic folic acid into methylfolate by 30% to 70%.

Because of how it is made, the chemically synthesised vitamin passes through her system unaltered, denying the fetus and herself all of the necessary active folates. This can lead not only to neural tube defects, but also to fatigue during pregnancy and complications. Methylated folate avoids this entire genetic bottleneck. It is pre-reacted, and is therefore utilised instantly in your cells regardless of your genetic makeup.

Uniting Biochemistry with Somatic Prenatal Yoga

Many health centers support nourishing a growing life two ways. Supporting your internal biology with selecting the optimal active methylated folate begins to establish health on the inside; supporting that same health from the outside is called needled supportive somatic movement.

This is the time in which you prepare your body to support your new life. Your body begins shifting in the way it processes and utilises nutrients. Your practice, if mindful, will reflect this shift. Movement should be deep and conscious, fostering good blood flow and circulation to the tissues. Active nutrients such as methylated folate will be propelled across the placental barrier to provide your baby with nutrition.

With the latest biochemical research mixed with ancestral movement practices, you can move away from confusion and step into total confidence as a mother. Your energy and optimisation should always be protected.

If you are in need of local, mindful support to supplement your diet, locating committed locations such as Pregnancy yoga near Sonipat can change your everyday regimen, integrating personalized breathing strategies and positions that harmonize perfectly with your clinical prenatal care program.

Eager to synchronise mind, body, and food? Attend Yogymummy yoga classes now and enjoy a unique, safe, supportive, and effective customised prenatal experience pinpointed just for your distinctive biology!

FAQ

What is the way to determine if I possess the MTHFR gene mutation?

Your doctor can order a cheap blood test or cheek swab to test for the common MTHFR variants (C677T, A1298C). Lots of women make the switch to methylated folate just to be on the safe side.

Can I produce an adequate amount of active folate by diet alone?

Though great to eat foods that are so nutrient rich such as asparagus, avocados, and spinach, your body’s metabolic requirements for such a high demand of pregnancy are extraordinary. A good quality, rich in L-methylfolate, prenatal is guaranteeing your needs every day.

Are there no side effects if the synthetic folic acid is not metabolised?

Excess supplementation of folic acid may result in build up of Unconverted Folic Acid (UMFA) in the bloodstream. It has been argued that UMFA may be related to false B12 levels and may compete with natural folates for receptor sites on cells.