What is the Difference Between Folic Acid and Folinic Acid

The main difference between folic acid and folinic acid is that folic acid is a synthetic form, while folinic acid is a naturally occurring form.

Folic acid and folinic acid are two distinct forms of vitamin B9, each with its own unique characteristics and applications. While folic acid is a synthetic form commonly used in supplements and fortified foods, folinic acid is a natural, active form primarily utilized in medical settings, especially in chemotherapy.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Folic Acid  
     – Definition, Form, Features
2. What is Folinic Acid
     – Definition, Form, Features
3. Similarities Between Folic Acid and Folinic Acid
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Folic Acid and Folinic Acid
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Folic Acid, Folinic Acid, Leucovorin or 5-formyltetrahydrofolate, Vitamin B9

What is Folic Acid

Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being. It is a member of the B-vitamin family and is essential for numerous biological processes within the body. Folic acid can be obtained from various dietary sources, including both natural foods and fortified products. Some excellent natural sources of folate (the natural form of folic acid) include leafy green vegetables such as spinach, kale, and broccoli, as well as legumes, citrus fruits, and liver. Fortified foods, such as breakfast cereals, bread, and pasta, are often enriched with synthetic folic acid to help individuals meet their daily requirements. Additionally, dietary supplements are widely available for those who may have difficulty obtaining enough folic acid through their diet alone.

What is the Role of Folic Acid

Folic acid plays a multitude of vital roles in the body. Folic acid is a key player in DNA synthesis, making it essential for cell division and growth. It also supports DNA repair processes, helping to maintain genetic stability. Folic acid is crucial for the production of red blood cells. A deficiency can lead to a type of anemia known as megaloblastic anemia, which results in enlarged and irregularly shaped red blood cells, leading to fatigue and weakness. During early pregnancy, adequate folic acid intake is critical for the proper development of the neural tube in the developing fetus. A deficiency can lead to neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, which can have serious lifelong consequences for the child.

Folic acid is involved in the metabolism of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. It helps convert homocysteine, an amino acid, into methionine, which is essential for numerous biochemical processes. Folate helps regulate homocysteine levels in the blood. Elevated homocysteine levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, making folic acid important for heart health.

What is Folinic Acid

Folinic acid, also known as leucovorin or 5-formyltetrahydrofolate, is a vital form of folate, which is a member of the B-vitamin family. Folinic acid plays a crucial role in various biological processes within the body and offers unique benefits that distinguish it from other forms of vitamin B9. Moreover, folinic acid can be obtained from both dietary sources and medical supplements. Natural dietary sources of folinic acid include leafy green vegetables, legumes, liver, and some fruits. However, it is not as commonly found in foods as folate. For therapeutic purposes and addressing specific health conditions, folinic acid is often administered as a medication or supplement.

Like other forms of folate, folinic acid is involved in DNA synthesis, cell division, and DNA repair processes. It provides the necessary building blocks for these vital cellular functions. Folinic acid is unique in its ability to directly provide the biologically active form of folate (5-methyltetrahydrofolate) to cells. This makes it valuable in situations where the body requires an immediate and readily available source of folate, bypassing the need for enzymatic conversion that other forms of vitamin B9, like folic acid, require.

Folinic acid is involved in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine, an essential amino acid. This process is critical for various biochemical reactions in the body, including the synthesis of proteins and neurotransmitters.

Moreover, folinic acid is frequently used in medical settings to counteract the toxic effects of medications like methotrexate, a chemotherapy drug. It can help protect healthy cells from the drug’s effects and ensure that folate-dependent processes continue to function properly.

Similarities Between Folic Acid and Folinic Acid

• Folic acid and folinic acid are both part of the B-vitamin family and are essential for various biological processes in the body.
• These acids have a role in red blood cell formation.
• Both forms of vitamin B9 are important in amino acid metabolism.

Difference Between Folic Acid and Folinic Acid

Definition

Folic acid is a synthetic form of vitamin B9, essential for cell division and the synthesis of DNA and RNA, while folinic acid, also known as 5-formyltetrahydrofolate, is a naturally occurring form of folate found in certain foods.

Form

While folic acid is a synthetic form of vitamin B9,  folinic acid is a natural, active form of vitamin B9.

Nature

Folic acid needs to undergo enzymatic conversion in the body to become the biologically active form of folate, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate. Folinic acid is already a more active form of folate in the body and does not require the same enzymatic conversions as folic acid.

Conclusion

Folic acid is a synthetic form commonly used in supplements and fortified foods, while folinic acid is a natural, active form primarily utilized in medical settings, especially in chemotherapy. This is the main difference between folic acid and folinic acid

Reference:

1. “FOLIC ACID: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews.”
2. “Folinic acid.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Folate” By Calvero. – Selfmade with ChemDraw. (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Folinic acid” By Fvasconcellos – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia