Folinic acid (a.k.a. 5-formyl tetrahydrofolate) is one of the forms of folate, a water soluble B vitamin
that occurs naturally in foods. Folate deficiency is known to be a common vitamin deficiency due to
food processing, food selection and intestinal disorders.
Biochemically in the body, folinic acid supports cellular perception and response, methylation
processes and many enzymatic reactions. It is also linked to lower homocysteine levels, which support
cardiovascular health.
Folinic acid in the body can be converted into any of the other active forms of folate. Folic acid,
the synthetic form of folinic acid, goes through a complicated biochemical process to be active in
the body. Folinic acid is more readily bioavailable than folic acid; therefore, some individuals may
respond better to it.
