Both Folic acid and Folinic acid are forms of vitamin b9 and are categorized as folates. Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate, whereas Folinic acid is an active form in the group of vitamins known as folates. It occurs naturally in a number of different foods. Folates are needed by the body to perform a variety of tasks. People who do not have sufficient Folic and Folinic acid are classified as folate deficient and could cause several adverse effects. Here in this article, we will discuss the difference between Folinic acid vs Folic acid and their uses and side effects.
Overview of Folic and Folinic Acid
Folinic Acid:
Folinic acid (Leucovorin) is a medication drug used to decrease the toxic effects of pyrimethamine and methotrexate. It is also used in combination with 5-fluorouracil to treat pancreatic and colorectal cancer. It is injected into the muscles or veins or taken orally.
Folic Acid:
Folic acid is a form of Vitamin B9 that is useful to prevent pregnancy complications. It is also useful for treating and preventing low blood levels of folate and high blood levels of hyperhomocysteinemia.
Comparison Between Folic and Folinic Acid
Uses of Folic and Folinic Acid
Folic Acid
It is effective for:
- Folate deficiency
- High levels of Homocysteine in the blood.
- Toxicity caused by methotrexate.
- Birth defects of the spine and brain.
- Decline in thinking skills and memory loss in old age.
- Depression
- High Blood Pressure
Folinic Acid
It is effective for:
- Reducing the side effects of methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
- They are treating colon cancer.
- Prevents toxic effects of high dosage of antimicrobial dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors.
- Treatment of toxoplasmosis retinitis.
- Treatment of cerebral folate deficiency
Side Effects
Folic Acid
When consumed by mouth, it is generally safe for most people to take no more than 1mg daily. Taking a dosage higher than 1mg might be dangerous and can cause adverse effects. So you can also take a high blood pressure diet that contains Vitamin B9.
It may result in upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea, confusion, irritability, behavior changes, seizures, skin reactions etc. Taking too much folic acid for a long period of time can cause serious side effects. Studies have said that consuming folic acid in 0.8-1.2mg doses daily may increase the risk of heart attack and cancer.
Folinic Acid
Some serious side effects of Folinic Acid such as:
- Breathing problems
- Allergic reactions like rashes, hives or itching, and swelling on the lips, face, or tongue.
- Wheezing
- In patients suffering from cancer, rare hypersensitivity reactions have been described.
Conclusion
Both Folinic and Folic acid help the body perform various activities but, overdose of the drug can lead to adverse effects.
Always make sure to consult a licensed medical healthcare professional before taking the drug and inform about any past medical history. A healthcare provider would guide you to the best prescription according to your body capacity.