What is the Difference Between L Methylfolate and Folic Acid

The main difference between L methylfolate and folic acid is that L-methylfolate is primarily the biologically active form of folate whereas folic acid or vitamin B9 is one of the several types of vitamins converted into folate in the body. Furthermore, L-methylfolate is important for DNA replication,  the cysteine cycle and the regulation of homocysteine, while folic acid deficiency can cause anemia with symptoms including feeling tired, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, open sores on the tongue, and changes in the color of the skin or hair.  

In brief, L-methylfolate and folic acid are two types of biochemical compounds important for metabolism. And, they both play a key role in DNA replication in cell division. 

Key Areas Covered 

1. What is L Methylfolate
      – Definition, Structure, Function
2. What is Folic Acid
      – Definition, Structure, Importance
3. What are the Similarities Between L Methylfolate and Folic Acid
      – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between L Methylfolate and Folic Acid
      – Comparison of Key Differences  

Key Terms 

DNA Replication, Folic Acid, Folic Acid Deficiency, L Methylfolate, Vitamin B9

What is L Methylfolate 

L-methylfolate or levomefolic acid is the biologically active form of folate. It circulates through the blood, and it even can cross the blood-brain barrier. For instance, it is important in DNA replication, cysteine cycle, and the regulation of homocysteine. Here, the cell uses l-methylfolate in the methylation of homocysteine to form methionine and tetrahydrofolate (THF). Furthermore, THF serves as the immediate acceptor for the synthesis of thymidine-DNA, purines (RNA and DNA) and methionine.  

Figure 1: L-Methylfolate

Moreover, the absorptive cells of the small intestine produce L-methylfolate from the polyglutamylated dietary folate, which is the methylated derivative of tetrahydrofolate. Also, it is water-soluble and is excreted through kidneys.  

What is Folic Acid 

Folic acid or vitamin B9 is the un-methylated and synthetic form of folate. Therefore, it has to undergo enzymatic reduction by dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) to become folate, which is biologically active. Folate naturally occurs in the dark green vegetables, legumes, avocadoes, legumes, and in the liver in the biologically active form.

Figure 2: Folic Acid

Concerning the functions, the main function of folate is to serve as a coenzyme, assisting the action of enzymes. Moreover, folate is important for DNA synthesis, the formation of red blood cells, and it helps to utilize proteins in the body. Therefore, folate deficiency can cause megaloblastic anemia. Also, low levels of folate during pregnancy result in neural tube defects in the baby. Besides, folate converts homocysteine into methionine. Therefore, low levels of folate during early pregnancy lead to infertility and recurrent miscarriages.  

Similarities Between L Methylfolate and Folic Acid  

• L-methylfolate and folic acid are two types of biochemical compounds important in the metabolism of the body.  
• They are important in DNA  replication, utilizing amino acids, and in the formation of red blood cells. 

Difference Between L Methylfolate and Folic Acid 

Definition 

L-methylfolate refers to the primarily biological active form of folate mainly used at the cellular level for the DNA replication, while folic acid refers to a vitamin of the B complex found especially in leafy green vegetables, liver, and kidney. 

Correspondence 

L-methylfolate is the biologically active form of folate, while folic acid is the vitamin, converting into folate inside the body. 

Methylation 

Moreover, L-methylfolate is a methylated form, while folic acid is the un-methylated form. 

Importance 

L-methylfolate is important for DNA replication, the cysteine cycle and the regulation of homocysteine. Meanwhile, folic acid deficiency can cause anemia with symptoms including feeling tired, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, open sores on the tongue, and changes in the color of the skin or hair.  

Speed of Absorption of Supplements 

Furthermore, L-methylfolate supplements get absorbed faster, while folate supplements get absorbed comparatively slowly. 

Significance of Supplements 

However, L-methylfolate supplements are unable to fulfill all folic acid requirements of the body, while folic acid supplements can work better than natural folate. 

Health Effects 

Besides, L-methylfolate can lead to overmethylation, making the methylation imbalance worse, while folic acid is synthetic. 

Conclusion 

L-methylfolate is the biologically active form of folate. Also, it is mainly important in DNA replication. In addition to that, it is important in the cytosine cycle and the regulation of homocysteine. Although its supplements absorb into the body faster, they can affect the methylation status of the person. On the other hand, folic acid is vitamin B9, which naturally occurs in leafy vegetables and liver. And, it converts into folate, which is metabolically active. Folate is important for DNA synthesis, the formation of red blood cells, and it helps to utilize proteins in the body. Therefore, in summing up, the main difference between L-methylfolate and folic acid is their importance. 

References:

1. “Levomefolic Acid.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 25 Oct. 2019, Available Here.

Image courtesy:

1. “5-Methyltetrahydrofolate” By Edgar181 – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia   
2. “Folic acid” By Calvero. – Selfmade with ChemDraw (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia   

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