What is the Difference Between Folinic Acid and Methylfolate

The main difference between folinic acid and methylfolate is that folinic acid has vitamin activity that is equivalent to folic acid, whereas methylfolate is the natural and activated form of folic acid.

Folinic acid and methylfolate are folate coenzymes that play an important part in metabolic functions. Generally, they are involved in biochemical functions that require for health and well-being.  

Key Areas Covered

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

Key Terms

Folinic Acid, Methylfolate

What is Folinic Acid

Folinic acid or 5-formyl tetrahydrofolate is a type of folic acid that is important in the treatment of cancer. It readily converts into tetrahydrofolic acid. Therefore, folinic acid has a vitamin activity that is equivalent to folic acid. However, folinic acid does not require the action of the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase. Generally, this enzyme converts folate into an active form that is more effective. Folinic acid also takes part in many metabolic processes, most notably DNA synthesis. Normally, DNA synthesis occurs in the presence of dihydrofolate reductase inhibition. Folic acid does not involve in DNA synthesis as it requires the presence of dihydrofolate reductase to convert into the active form.

Figure 1: Folinic Acid

Furthermore, folinic acid is a reduced form of folic acid that is also known as leucovorin. Sometimes, the names are used interchangeably. In general, folinic acid exists naturally, and it is a biologically active form. It also belongs to the general family of folates. In addition, folinic acid is a dietary supplement to vitamin B9.  Folinic acid occurs in leafy green vegetables. One of the main important features of folinic acid is that it can reach higher concentrations in plasma. Significantly, 90% of the functional derivatives of the folates in the plasma are folinic acid. Therefore, it is important to treat defective folate metabolism.     

What is Methylfolate

Methylfolate is a natural and active form of folic acid that is important for the treatment of methylation issues. Importantly, it does not require any activation or conversion into active forms. The main advantage of natural folic acid is its unchangeable absorption even with changes in the gastrointestinal pH. The bioavailability of  methylfolate is not affected by metabolic defects. Unlike folic acid, methylfolate increases the hematological symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency.

Figure 2: Methylfolate

Methylfolate reduces the interactions with certain folate antagonist drugs. Methylfolate helps to overcome the metabolic defects that occur due to MTHFR polymorphism. Moreover, methylfolate is highly effective for folate replacement in a wide variety of people. It is also important for the treatment of depression.          

Similarities Between Folinic Acid and Methylfolate

• Folinic acid and methylfolate are two types of folate coenzymes, and they are types of vitamin B9.
• Both are natural and active forms of folic acid.
• They are water-soluble.
• They are required for the health and well-being of the person.
• These vitamins prevent neural tube defects in the early weeks of pregnancy.
• In addition, they increase heart health, reduce cancer risk, and are good for healthy mood and cognition.
• They have different forms.

Difference Between Folinic Acid and Methylfolate

Definition

Folinic acid refers to a form of folic acid used alone or with other drugs to treat certain types of colorectal cancer and anemia, while methylfolate refers to a nutritional supplement containing the biologically active form of the B9 vitamin folate.

Significance

Folinic acid has a vitamin activity that is equivalent to folic acid, while methylfolate is a natural and activated form of folic acid.

Treatment of Diseases 

Folinic acid is important for treating various cancers, while methylfolate is important in treating depression.

Conclusion                                                                                                

In brief, folinic acid and methylfolate are two folates that are important in the body’s metabolic function. Generally, folinic acid is a type of folic acid that is a type of vitamin. It also has a vitamin activity that is equivalent to folic acid. In addition, it is important for treating various cancers, including colorectal cancer and anemia. Methylfolate is another form of folate that is natural and active. The main use of methylfolate is to treat depression. Therefore, the main difference between folinic acid and methylfolate is the type of diseases they are used to treat.                                                  

References:                

1. Gristan YD, Moosavi L. Folinic Acid. [Updated 2022 Dec 2]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan.
2. Wikimedia Foundation. (2022, November 28). Levomefolic acid. Wikipedia. Retrieved January 1, 2023.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Folinic acid” By Nephron – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “5-Methyltetrahydrofolate” By Myron G. Schultz – Own Work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia