Folate: One Nutrient, Many Forms and Why Choosing the Right Form Matters

This webinar was presented on March 5, 2024. The CPE associated with this webinar will expire on March 5, 2027.

This webinar will cover the scientific background and clinical perspectives on the different forms of folate. In recent years, misinformation on this topic has spread online, making it challenging for individuals to make informed decisions. This session will address important associations between folate forms and different adverse health outcomes, and why folic acid is the only form proven for neural tube defects (NTD) prevention.

Recommendations for individuals with MTHFR gene variants will also be addressed. Additionally, two health care providers will share their experiences in counseling patients on nutritional supplement use before and during pregnancy. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of folate, its various forms, why choosing the right form matters, and how to provide clear guidance to patients with succinct, accurate talking points.

CPE Level: 2
CPEU: 1.25 (valid until March 5, 2027)

Performance Indicators:

• 8.2.2 Differentiates between outdated and current evidence-based practice related to the management of diseases and clinical conditions.
• 8.2.4 Integrates new knowledge of disease states and clinical conditions into practice.
• 9.3.1 Critically reviews and selects materials from credible sources to support the development of diet and nutrition education resources.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the different forms of folate and how MTHFR gene variants affect folate metabolism.
• Identify the folic acid recommendation for neural tube defects prevention.
• Discuss health care provider perspectives on addressing/counseling patients about different forms of folate.

Speakers

Amy Fothergill, PhD

Amy Fothergill, PhD is an Epidemic Intelligence Service officer and a nutrition epidemiologist on the Prevention and Health Disparities Team, in the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). She received her PhD in Nutritional Sciences from Cornell University and Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from Emory University. Dr. Fothergill’s work focuses on birth defects surveillance, biomarker surveys, prevention strategies, and the effect of genetic polymorphisms on folate metabolism.

Shannon M. Clark, MD

Shannon M. Clark, MD is a double board certified ObGyn and MFM and Professor at a large academic university where she has roles as a clinician, educator, and researcher.

Judy Simon MS, RDN, CD, CHES, FAND

Judy Simon MS, RDN, CD, CHES, FAND is director of Mind Body Nutrition PLLC, co-founder of the Food for Fertility program and adjunct faculty in the Nutritional Sciences Program at University of Washington. She specializes in reproductive nutrition and health. Judy has been recognized as a Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and is a national leader in fertility and nutrition.  She is also a co-author of the upcoming book Getting to Baby (April 2024).