L-Methylfolate and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

L-Methylfolate and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

If you are planning a pregnancy or are already pregnant, you may have questions about folate and the different forms of folate found in prenatal vitamins.

One form you may see on supplement labels is L-methylfolate.

So what is L-methylfolate, how is it different from folic acid, and what should you consider when choosing a prenatal vitamin?

This guide explains the basics so you can make a more informed decision with your healthcare professional.

What is L-methylfolate?

L-methylfolate is a form of folate, a B vitamin the body needs for important processes, including cell division and the production of DNA and red blood cells.

L-methylfolate is also known as 5-MTHF (5-methyltetrahydrofolate) and is used in some nutritional supplements, including certain prenatal formulations.

Because folate is particularly important around conception and early pregnancy, it is an important nutrient to understand when choosing a prenatal supplement.

Why is folate important during pregnancy?

Folate is especially important during the early stages of pregnancy.

Adequate folic acid intake before conception and during early pregnancy helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects.

The neural tube develops very early in pregnancy, which is why folate intake matters even before pregnancy is confirmed.

Health Canada recommends that people who could become pregnant take a daily multivitamin containing 400 mcg (0.4 mg) of folic acid. For people planning a pregnancy, Health Canada recommends starting folic acid supplementation before conception, ideally at least three months beforehand.

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your healthcare professional about the amount and type of folate that is appropriate for you.

L-methylfolate vs. folic acid

L-methylfolate and folic acid are different forms of folate.

L-methylfolate is sometimes described as the biologically active form of folate because it participates directly in folate metabolism.

However, consumers should be careful about assuming that L-methylfolate is automatically superior to folic acid for pregnancy.

Health Canada specifically identifies folic acid as the form of folate that has been proven in clinical trials to reduce the risk of neural tube defects.

For this reason, people planning pregnancy should discuss their prenatal supplement choice with a doctor, midwife, pharmacist or other qualified healthcare professional.

When should you start taking folate?

Folate is important before pregnancy as well as during pregnancy.

Health Canada recommends that people who could become pregnant take a daily multivitamin containing400 mcg of folic acid.

If you are planning a pregnancy, starting supplementation before conception is particularly important.

Ideally, folic acid supplementation should begin at least three months before becoming pregnant.

If you have already become pregnant and were not taking a supplement, speak with your healthcare provider about what you should take now.

How much folate do you need?

The appropriate amount can depend on your individual circumstances.

For the general population of people who could become pregnant, Health Canada recommends a daily multivitamin containing 400 mcg of folic acid.

Some people may have different nutritional requirements or may be advised to take a different amount by their healthcare professional.

Do not assume that taking more is necessarily better.

If you have questions about your individual folate requirements, speak with your healthcare provider.

L-methylfolate in Pregnavit Original

Pregnavit Original by Newnesscare is a prenatal nutritional supplement that includes L-methylfolateamong its ingredients.

Newnesscare's current product information lists 600 mcg of L-methylfolate per capsule, together with iron and other vitamins and minerals.

The formulation is designed to provide nutritional support before conception and during pregnancy.

Other nutrients in Pregnavit Original include:

Iron

Vitamin D

Vitamin B12

Vitamin C

Iodine

Zinc

Magnesium

Other vitamins and minerals

Always read the current product label and follow the recommended directions for use.

Why does iron matter during pregnancy?

Iron is another important nutrient during pregnancy.

Pregnancy increases the body's need for iron because iron is needed for the production of red blood cells and to support the growing baby and placenta.

Health Canada recommends that pregnant individuals take a daily multivitamin containing iron.

Pregnavit Original currently provides 35 mg of elemental iron per capsule, according to Newnesscare'sproduct information.

Your healthcare professional can help determine whether the amount provided by your prenatal supplement is appropriate for your needs.

What should you look for in a prenatal vitamin?

Rather than choosing a prenatal vitamin based on a single ingredient, consider the complete formulation.

Depending on your individual needs, important considerations may include:

Folate

Folate is essential before and during pregnancy. Health Canada's recommendations specifically emphasize folic acid.

Iron

Iron requirements increase during pregnancy, making iron an important consideration when selecting a prenatal supplement.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is an important nutrient that may be included in prenatal formulations.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 supports normal red blood cell formation and neurological function.

Iodine

Iodine is an important nutrient during pregnancy and is included in some prenatal supplements.

DHA and Omega-3

Some prenatal formulations also provide DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid. Products such as Pregnavit Plus combine prenatal nutrients with DHA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is L-methylfolate safe during pregnancy?

L-methylfolate is used in some prenatal nutritional supplements. However, individual nutritional needs vary, so pregnant individuals should discuss supplement choices with their healthcare professional.

Is L-methylfolate better than folic acid?

There is no basis for assuming that L-methylfolate is automatically better for pregnancy. Health Canada identifies folic acid as the form proven in clinical trials to reduce the risk of neural tube defects.

Should I take folate before getting pregnant?

Yes. Folate is important before conception. Health Canada recommends that people who could become pregnant take a daily multivitamin containing 400 mcg of folic acid, and recommends starting before pregnancy.

Does Pregnavit Original contain L-methylfolate?

Yes. Newnesscare's current product information lists 600 mcg of L-methylfolate per capsule.

Does Pregnavit Original contain iron?

Yes. Newnesscare currently lists 35 mg of elemental iron per capsule.

Should I take a prenatal vitamin if I am trying to conceive?

Many people use prenatal supplementation during the preconception period. Health Canada recommends folic acid supplementation before pregnancy. Discuss the best prenatal formulation for your circumstances with your healthcare professional.

Choosing a prenatal supplement

There is no single prenatal formulation that is right for everyone.

When choosing a supplement, consider the complete nutrient profile, your diet, your medical and nutritional circumstances, and recommendations from your healthcare professional.

If you are looking for a prenatal supplement containing L-methylfolate and iron, Pregnavit Original is one option to discuss with your healthcare provider.

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Important information

This information is intended for educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Pregnancy nutritional requirements vary between individuals. Always read the product label and consult your doctor, midwife, pharmacist or other qualified healthcare professional regarding supplementation during pregnancy.

Newnesscare — nutritional support for every stage of life.