What is the Difference Between Folate and Folic Aid?

So here at Pink Stork we offer Pink Stork Folate, a whole food source of folate from lemon peel extract. Many customers have contacted us wondering the difference between “folate,” which is less available at retail stores and online, and “folic acid” which is found just about everywhere…CVS, the local grocery store, GNC, etc.

The truth is, most doctors can’t even tell you the difference between the two, and thats a shame – because they are very different and its important to know the differences when considering your health and the health of your child.

Here’s as simple as we can make it:

Folate is the naturally occurring form of the vitamin. Its found in foods like beef liver, spinach, black-eyed peas, and asparagus.

Folic acid is the synthetic form of the vitamin produced in laboratories for the enrichment of food and as an addition to dietary supplements.

Now why does this matter? If you know anything about our company, we believe in health from whole food sources when available. We prefer natural sources of nutrients. Something about the human body digests nutrients from food (whole food sources) better than nutrients in a pill or artificial liquid. So while it may cost a little more, your body will process folate much more efficiently than folic acid…plus, since folate is absolutely critical to proper fetal development, aren’t those few extra dollars worth the investment?