Folate & Your Brain (Vitamin B9)

Folate. Perhaps one of the most researched neuro-nutrients for your entire brain system (head, heart, and gut). It's involved in many processes, from DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis to amino acid metabolism. Simply put, without it, whose brain network can function properly?

Folate may support mood balance, contribute to mental wellness, and help reduce mental fatigue and irritability. How? By quickly breaking down and supplying your ‘three brains’ with much-needed energy. (It's also why so many energy drinks use Folate alongside other B vitamins).*

But let’s break everything down, starting with a common misconception:

Is Folate the same as Folic Acid?

No. Folate and Folic Acid are not the same, although they are often used interchangeably:

OK, so Folate is natural B9, while Folic Acid is the synthetic counterpart. But is this the only difference?

Again, the answer is ‘No.’ Unlike naturally occurring Folate, your body has to work harder to convert Folic Acid into Methylfolate (the active form of vitamin B9).*

When consumed, Folic Acid undergoes a different metabolic pathway than naturally occurring Folate. It's actually converted in the liver and other tissues. Because of that, the Folic Acid to Methylfolate conversion can be slower and less efficient.*¹

Recognizing this, our HCF® advanced nootropics contain L-5-Methylfolate instead. It's not a random choice. It's all based on science! L-5-Methylfolate is a form of Folate that is readily absorbed and utilized by the body, ensuring better nutrient absorption and efficacy.*

Plus, L-5-Methylfolate can also cross the blood-brain barrier and nourish your Head [1st Brain] directly.*²

Why is Folate so important for cognitive health?

It all starts with neurotransmitters—the tiny brain's messengers. They can influence everything from mood and memory to overall cognitive function.

And here's something many don’t know: Folate can play a crucial role in their production. Without Folate, neurotransmitter production could be hindered, leading to mood changes, troubles remembering things, brain fog, or cognitive challenges.*³

And since we’ve mentioned the blood-brain barrier (BBB) before, let’s break it down a bit:

→ When you envision this BBB, don't simply think of it as a 'physical wall,' but as a semi-permeable border that decides what gets in and what stays out of your head-brain.

The BBB consists of endothelial cells that line the blood vessels, tightly packed together to prevent harmful substances from potentially damaging your "I Think" center. But, like all things in your body, this barrier also needs maintenance.

→ That's where Folate can step in, making the production and maintenance of new cells possible. It helps ensure the barrier stays intact, effectively keeping out harmful substances that may hurt your head-brain.*⁴

→ Finally, research shows that Folate may help with Homocysteine regulation.*⁵ It's a less-known but equally important process. Homocysteine is an amino acid that, in high levels, can be harmful. It may lead to inflammation and damage to the blood vessels, including those in the brain.

→ But, as part of the methylation process, Folate can help convert excess Homocysteine into another amino acid—Methionine—with many potential benefits for your entire head-heart-gut axis:*⁶

• Is a precursor to S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), which is needed for the synthesis of neurotransmitters (such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine).*
• Contributes to the production of Glutathione (one of the body's most important antioxidants) that plays an important role in protecting neurons from oxidative stress and damage.*
• Supports the production of digestive enzymes and helps maintain the health of the intestinal lining.*
• Helps remove toxins from the body and support a healthy gut environment.*
• Supports the integrity and function of blood vessels, helping to maintain healthy blood pressure and circulation.*

Low levels of Folate over time could impact general health and cognitive function.*

Folate deficiency. It's not just about physical health. It's about cognitive health, too.

Deficiency signs can be subtle, but they're there. Fatigue, irritability, lack of focus. These can be some of the early signs. A more severe Folate deficiency may lead to mood changes and cognitive challenges.*

Who's at risk of Folate deficiency? You might be surprised.

Who's at risk? Several groups, in fact. (!) For starters, those with an unbalanced diet like:

(!) Pregnant women are another group at risk. Folate can be very important for fetal development, and the demand for this nutrient increases during pregnancy.

Believe it or not, but how you prepare food may also play a role here.⁷ Since Vitamin B9 is water-soluble, it may lose some of its properties during cooking, especially when food is boiled or soaked in water.

Raw or steamed vegetables retain more Folate than boiled ones. But even with the best food preparation methods, getting enough Folate from diet alone may be challenging, especially for those at risk.*

That's why at HCF® we opted for L-5-Methylfolate instead of the traditional Folic Acid. Since L-5-Methylfolate is more bioavailable, your body can better absorb and utilize it, potentially offering more benefits for those at risk of Folate deficiency or looking to support their cognitive health.*