What is the difference between Folic acid and active Folic acid

Question by Anke: Following my blood test where my intracellular folic acid was tested, I am curious if it was the inactive or the active form of folic acid tested: My value is within the norm but is on the high side. If it turns out to be a non-active form of folic acid tested, it may indicate methylation problem where my body cannot convert folic acid to an active form as easily. Hence it is important to know.

Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is an essential nutrient important for several biological processes in the body, such as cell growth, DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation. It plays a crucial role in preventing neural tube defects during early fetal development.

The difference between folic acid from serum (blood plasma) and intracellular (within cells)? It has to do with where the folic acid is located and the role it plays in that environment:

Folic acid in serum

Folic acid may be present in the bloodstream, where it is measured as "serum folate." This is the form of folate that circulates in the blood plasma. It is absorbed through food in the intestines and transported through the bloodstream to various tissues and organs in the body. Folate in serum can be used for direct nutritional purposes and is important for maintaining general health and metabolic processes.

Intracellular folic acid (erythrocytic)

Intracellular folate refers to the folate that is taken up by cells and used there for various biochemical reactions. Within cells, folic acid is essential for processes such as DNA replication, cell division and the synthesis of amino acids. It is especially important for rapidly dividing cells, such as those in the bone marrow and the developing embryo.

The difference between serum folate and intracellular folate

The difference between serum folate and intracellular folate lies in their locations within the body and the specific functions they perform. Serum folate deals with the general presence and availability of folate in the blood, while intracellular folate focuses on the specific role of folate within cells for vital biochemical processes. Both forms of folate are important for the health and normal physiology of the body.

Folic acid erythrocyte, as measured in red blood cells, can indirectly provide information on the nutritional status of folate and, in some cases, also say something about the presence of the active or inactive forms of folate.

Folic acid is converted in the body into several metabolically active forms, including 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), which is the most biologically active form. These active forms of folate are required for various biochemical reactions, such as DNA synthesis and methylation processes.

When measured erythrocytically, folate can provide some insight into the total amount of folate available within red blood cells. However, it does not directly indicate which forms of folate are present or to what extent the biologically active form (5-MTHF) is present.

For a more accurate assessment of the active and inactive forms of folate, as well as overall folate status, laboratory tests such as measurement of serum folate, MTHFR gene mutation and homocysteine can be used. Elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood may indicate decreased conversion of folic acid to the active forms.

It is important to note that interpreting folate measurements and assessing folate status can be complex and depends on several factors, including dietary intake, genetic variations and other health conditions.

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