Understanding Folate: Forms, Whole Food Sources, and Epigenetics

Dr. Daina Parent, ND and Dr. Sarah Clarke, DC, IFMCP engage in an informative clinical conversation about all things folate. From whole food forms to folate's influence on epigenetics, they transform complex biochemistry into a clear, easy-to-follow, and engaging conversation with clinical gems. They discuss the relationship between folate, vitamin B12, and homocysteine on mental health, brain function, and cardiovascular health and cover biomarkers to help clinicians properly test patients for deficiencies. Drs Parent and Clarke highlight throughout the episode the importance of consuming a whole foods diet that emphasizes foods high in natural forms of folate to support whole body health. Podcast Summary 2:10 Folate (vitamin B9) overview – why is folate important and what is it's role in the body? 4:30 Methylation: a folate-dependent process – how is methylation connected to epigenetics and overall healthy functions of body systems 7:00 Foods that contain methyl donors for methylation - including turnip greens, collard greens and other leafy greens 9:00 Methylation and aging 10:00 Natural forms of folate vs. synthetic folic acid 15:10 Why folic acid isn't the ideal for everyone 17:45 Plant sources of folate when consumed in a whole foods diet 21:00 Dangers of the SAD Diet (Standard American Diet) and over consumption of fortified foods with folic acid 23:35 How malabsorption of nutrients due to GI conditions can impact levels of folate in the body 25:00 When we need more folate and lifestyle habits and medications that impact absorption of folate 27:58 Folate's role in mental health, mood and cognition – brain health, brain function, and aging 32:10 Folate and it's connection to cardiovascular health and the importance of B12 and folate in creating balanced homocysteine levels 35:27 Golden Chlorella – superfood with folate and vegetarian source of B12 35:58 How to measure homocysteine and other important biomarkers 41:52 The benefits of running a CBC to help determine folate or B12 deficiencies 44:20 Clinical case that demonstrates the need to find the right form of folate and B12 for each person 45:44 Benefits of whole food form of folate and B vitamins