There is a commonly used supplement prescribed for folate deficiency anaemia and recommended as a “must take” for anyone who is pregnant or trying to conceive. By now you have probably guessed that I'm talking about folic acid. Folic acid is usually taken in tablet form, and is also used to fortify some foods, (a bit like fluoride in toothpaste). But while scrolling through social media posts of VivaSynch suppliers, I spotted this…
“Folate is Vitamin B9 as found in food. Folic acid is a man made alternative and your liver has to work to make it usable.”
Apparently, getting too much man made folic acid through supplements & fortified foods can lead to harmful levels of circulating folic acid.
Now, being the pharmacology geek that I am, I had to look into this. I read a dozen articles from various sources including the NHS and the National Library of Medicine. What I found out is that while there is no evidence that folic acid causes hepatic (liver) toxicity, but, there are growing concerns that there could be adverse effects from unmetabolized folic acid. The man made version of folic acid has higher bioavailability (which means it absorbs more easily into the body), than natural folates.
The concerns are, that over time there could be a down-regulation of folate transporters…i.e. folate would
not be transported around your body as efficiently. There are other concerns which seem to be uniquely related to high folic acid intakes, and I have hugely simplified this. If you are a huge nerd like me you can read the whole National Library of Medicine study here.
HUGE CAVEAT: the evidence is not yet conclusive, and overwhelmingly, the ill-effects of NOT taking folic acid in conception/pregnancy would outweigh any of this. Natural supplements can be expensive and of course not everyone is able to stretch the budget. So always take the folic acid rather than nothing.
The buzz amongst nutritionists and fertility nutritionists is that natural folate is best, AND EAT YOUR GREENS 🥦🥬🥒🫑.
City Survivor - Smart Supplements for Busy People.
So, with that nerdery said and done, I would like to introduce you to our supplement supplier and guru, Daisy Connor; Founder, Nutritionist and Director of City Survivor.
City Survivor offers targeted support for modern life’s challenges. Helping you sleep better, regain your energy and keep well, whatever stress comes your way. Made in the UK and packaged in endlessly recyclable metal.
The range is formulated by Daisy Connor, Nutritional Therapist of over 10 years and expert in supplement ingredients and natural remedies. Each nutrient is chosen by Daisy for its quality and efficacy. Having worked in health stores for years, Daisy experienced first hand how bewildering the huge range of supplements feels, so City Survivor was designed to meet your most common needs.
And by absolute bizarre coincidence, I found out this week that Daisy grew up on the the next street to my other half, and knows his family...small world.
At VivaSynch we currently stock three lines of City Survivor Supplements and this month we are offering 20% off your purchase with code CITY20.
Pollution Protection: Winner of Best All-Round Vitamin & Mineral Supplement - Beauty Shortlist Wellbeing Awards. Pollution Protection is a 7-in-1: essential multi, beauty formula, energy support, liver support, essential immune nutrients, antioxidant complex, plus bone support. Includes active B vitamins (folates).
Night Support:Supporting a calm night time routine for better, natural sleep. Magnesium is important for normal function of your nervous system and also contributes to reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Paired with calming amino acids L-Theanine, and L-Taurine. Free from sedatives so won’t leave you feeling drowsy the next day.
Vital Minerals: A highly absorbable blend of Magnesium Citrate and Magnesium Bisglycinate. Magnesium is important for your nervous system, and for normal psychological function. Magnesium contributes to energy-yielding metabolism and helps reduce tiredness and fatigue. Also important for its contribution to normal muscle function, so particularly recommended if you exercise or suffer restlessness at night.
CITY SURVIVOR SUPPLEMENTS HAVE BEEN FEATURED IN:
WOMEN'S FITNESS
NATURAL HEALTH
THE DROP by STYLIST
METRO
TOP SANTÉ
Comments