What is the Difference Between Folate and Folinic Acid

Folate and folinic acid are both essential B vitamins that play important roles in DNA synthesis, cell division, and overall health. Although both share several similarities, folate acid is not the same as folinic acid.

What is the difference between folate and folic acid? Folate is the natural form found in food, while folinic acid is a synthetic version.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Folate  
      – Definition, Features 
2. What is Folinic Acid
      – Definition, Features 
3. Similarities Between Folate and Folinic Acid
      – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Folate and Folinic Acid
      – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Folate and Folinic Acid
      – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

Folate, Folinic Acid, Leucovorin Calcium

What is Folate

Folate acid is a synthetic form of the B vitamin folate. It is often referred to as vitamin B9. Folate acid is a complex molecule composed of three main parts:

1. Pteridine ring is the core structure. It is a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound.
2. Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), which is attached to the pteridine ring.
3. Glutamic acid is an amino acid linked to PABA.

Folate’s solubility and absorption are influenced by the varying number of glutamic acids.

There are many uses of folate acid in the body. One main use is that folate acid prevents neural tube defects, which are serious birth defects of the brain and the spinal cord. Consuming adequate amounts of folate acid before and during pregnancy reduces the risk of having these birth defects.

Folate acid is also needed for the production of red blood cells.  Deficiency may lead to anaemia. Supplementation with folate acid can effectively treat this type of anaemia. This is achieved by replenishing the folate stores of the body. Moreover, folate acid in combination with vitamins B6 and B12, helps to lower homocysteine levels of the body.

What is Folinic Acid

Folinic acid is also known as leucovorin calcium. It is a naturally occurring form of folate, a B vitamin. Folinic acid does not require conversion by the body before it can be used because it is already in its reduced form. Chemically, it is a 5-formyl derivative of tetrahydrofolic acid (THF). It has a formyl group (CHO) attached to the N5 position of the pteridine ring.

Structural features of folinic acid include:

• Pteridine ring: The nitrogen-containing heterocyclic core structure
• Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA): Attached to the pteridine ring
• Glutamic acid: Attached to the PABA moiety
• Formyl group: Attached to the N5 position of the pteridine ring

There are many uses of folinic acid. Folinic acid protects the healthy cells from damage caused by the drug methotrexate. Moreover, folinic acid is often used in combination with certain chemotherapy drugs, such as 5-fluorouracil, to increase their effectiveness in treating colorectal and other cancers. Folinic acid can also help treat megaloblastic anaemia.

Similarities Between Folate and Folinic Acid

1. Folate and Folinic acid are classified as vitamin B9.
2. Both help in cell growth, development, and DNA synthesis.
3. They help in the production of red blood cells, preventing anemia.
4. Both are essential for the proper development of the neural tube during pregnancy.
5. Both help in reducing homocysteine levels.

Difference Between Folate and Folinic Acid

Definition

• Folate is the naturally occurring form found in foods, while folinic acid is the synthetic form, often used as a medication. 

Active Form

• Folate requires conversion to active form, whereas folinic acid is already in the active form.

Stability

• Folinic acid is more stable than folate.

Use in the Body

• Folate requires conversion to active forms before being used by the body. Folinic acid, on the other hand, is directly usable by the body without conversion.

Conclusion

Folate, found naturally in foods, is important for DNA synthesis, cell growth, and red blood cell production. Folic acid, a synthetic form, is widely fortified in foods and supplements, mainly to prevent neural tube defects in developing fetuses. This is the main difference between folate and folic acid

FAQ: Folate and Folinic Acid

1. Is folic acid or folate better?

• Folate is the natural form of vitamin B9 present in foods, while folic acid is its synthetic counterpart. Folic acid is more readily absorbed by the body and is often recommended for pregnant women to prevent birth defects.

2. What is the difference between leucovorin and folic acid?

• Leucovorin and folic acid are both essential for human health. Folic acid is the inactive form of folate. Leucovorin is the active form of folic acid.

3. Which is better for fertility, folate or folic acid?

• Both folate and folic acid are important for fertility, but there are some differences. The body needs to convert folic acid into its active form, folate before it can be used.

4. What is the use of folinic acid?

• Folinic acid is mainly used as a rescue agent to counteract the harmful effects of certain medications, particularly chemotherapy drugs

Reference:

1. “Folinic Acid.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
2. “Folate.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Folinic acid” By Fvasconcellos – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia