Folic Acid vs. Methyl Folate: What You Need to Know for a Healthy Pregnancy

In this episode of Egg Meets Sperm, Dr. Aumatma, a Naturopathic Doctor and Fertility Specialist, breaks down one of the most debated topics in prenatal health: folic acid vs. methyl tetrahydrofolate (5MTHF). For over a decade, there's been an ongoing discussion about whether synthetic folic acid or the more bioavailable form, 5MTHF, is better for preventing neural tube defects and supporting a healthy pregnancy.Dr. Aumatma explains the science behind folate metabolism, the critical role it plays in fertility, and why many women might benefit from switching to 5MTHF. Learn how the MTHFR gene mutation impacts folate conversion and why up to 80% of the population may struggle to properly process folic acid.Key Topics Covered:The differences between folic acid and 5MTHFHow folate prevents neural tube defectsThe role of MTHFR mutations in folate metabolismWhy 5MTHF may be a better choice for pregnant womenHow much folate you should take during pregnancyDr Aumatma is;A licensed Naturopathic Doctor for 15 years, additional board certification in Naturopathic EndocrinologyCreator of The Restorative Fertility MethodHost of Egg Meets Sperm Podcast, a Top 5% podcast2x Best-selling author: Fertility Secrets and (in)Fertility: Struggles, Secrets, & SuccessesAwards: Best Naturopathic Medicine Doctor (2015, 2020) and Top Women in Medicine Doctor (2020, 2021), Berkeley Hall of Fame (2022)Interviewed on 100+ podcasts about fertility, pregnancy, and postpartumFeatured as the Holistic Fertility Expert on ABC, FOX, CBS, KTLA, MindBodyGreen, The Bump Has trained hundreds of practitioners around the world in holistic approaches to fertility, and has certified top doctors in the Fertile Foundations™ system Founder of Madre Fertility, with a free Smart Fertility Analysis, to help you better understand blocks to fertility, and create a customized roadmap for the journey.Medical Advisor for Mira Fertility, Element, and Feminade - three awesome leaders in fertility & women’s health Don't miss this in-depth discussion to understand how choosing the right form of folate can impact your fertility and pregnancy. Let’s chat! I want to hear from you! Send me a voice memo with:- what you loved- what you want to see improve- any guests you want me to bring on- AND any questions you want me to cover on the podcast!Did you know you can join my private community to support you in getting Fertile As F***? This is the place for live interactions, support, and learning on the fertility journey.Want more amazing content? Join me on IG.If you found this podcast episode useful, we’d love it if you can take 15 seconds to give us a positive review on whichever platform you’re listening to this episode.