Brave & Curious with Dr Lora Shahine16 Des 2025

Ep 154 Folic Acid vs. Folate: Why the Controversy? with Dr. Prati Sharma

Are you confused about prenatal vitamins? Wondering whether folic acid or folate is best? And what about those MTHFR conversations on the internet? Should you be worried?

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine is asking the questions so many people have but rarely get clear answers to. Her guest is fertility expert Dr. Prati Sharma who is here to address the fear, the science, and the nuance behind one of the most debated supplements in pregnancy health.

Folate and folic acid may sound interchangeable, but as Dr. Shahine and Dr. Sharma explain, the topic gets complicated fast — especially once genetics, supplements, and internet opinions enter the chat.

Together they explain the definitions, evidence-based guidelines, genetic polymorphisms like MTHFR, and how the supplement market (and sometimes fear-based messaging) can mislead patients.

Listeners will hear balanced, thoughtful insight rooted in reproductive endocrinology, science-backed recommendations, and compassionate care, not panic or overwhelm. And most importantly, you'll leave feeling calmer, more empowered, and equipped with the right questions instead of fear.

In this episode you'll hear:

[1:25] Why is folate vs. folic acid such a heated topic?
[3:37] What is folate?
[4:067 What is folic acid?
[5:35] MTHFR gene variant explained
[6:40] The history & science behind the recommendations
[9:58] How much folic acid do you actually need?
[12:56] What newer studies show
[20:23] How to choose a prenatal
[28:06] Final takeaways and connecting with Dr. Sharma

Resources mentioned:

@drpratiaharma on IG

createivf.com/about/prati-sharma-fertility-doctor

birdandbe.com

ABOG Folic Acid Recommendations

Review from Integrative Medicine Journal

Review by Jen Gunter, MD

Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

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