NATURAL FOLATES
Two of the many naturally occurring forms of folic acid include folinic acid and 5-methyl tetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), the most common forms found in the foods we eat. Unfortunately, the most common form of folic acid in our food supply is synthetic and not well utilized by the body. Because it is much cheaper, it is used in food fortification and virtually all dietary supplements on store shelves. This synthetic form of folic acid is inactive and must first be converted to an active form to be useful in the body.
A significant number of people are unable to absorb or otherwise utilize synthetic folic acid. The numbers are difficult to determine, but scientists have estimated that perhaps up to 30 percent of the population has this inability (which is genetically determined). These individuals must rely on natural folic acid from food, or the 5-methyl or folinic acid versions in supplements.
Consumption of natural folic acid is not just important for prevention of neural tube defects, one of many types of birth defects. It’s a necessary nutrient with body-wide benefits for all adults and children. These include the following:

 

 

 
  • Brain function—the natural forms of folic acid are the only ones that can get into the brain. It is especially important for those who don’t sleep well or are depressed.
  • Intestinal function—it can help food digestion and absorption, heal the intestines, and, as studies have shown, prevent colon cancer.
  • Liver detoxification of substances like estrogens in both men and women—it removes their harmful metabolites and prevents breast cancer.
  • Protein metabolism and for regulation of certain amino acids
  • The production of new blood cells
  • Cardiovascular health (by reducing homocysteine)
In addition, unlike synthetic inactive folic acid, natural folic acid does not mask anemia if not taken with adequate vitamin B12.

Below are some specific issues pertaining to skin and hair:

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  • For sun protection, and because you’re probably in the sun often when training and competing, which uses up a lot of nutrients, a number of nutritional substances from foods can be helpful. These include folic acid, beta-carotene, and lycopene, which are provided by a variety of vegetables and fruit. Tocotrienols, from raw nuts and seeds, and a part of the vitamin E complex, can help protect the skin directly, and limonene, found in citrus peel, can protect against skin cancer. All the antioxidants, from all those vegetables and fruits, can also help with sun exposure since increased free radicals are one harmful effect of too much sun. In addition, fish oil, by mouth, helps protect the skin during sun exposure.
  • Many skin problems are associated with low or deficient levels of vitamin B2 (riboflavin).
  • Pure shea butter is a unique skin-care product made from an African nut extract (similar to a coconut) and has been used for centuries as a beauty product. European studies have shown that shea butter is remarkably active against skin blemishes and irritation. It’s also useful as a daily hand, face, or body ointment. As a moisturizer, it is helpful against the damaging effects of the sun and also helps maintain the skin’s elasticity. Pure coconut oil is also great for the skin, as is extra virgin olive oil.
  • The omega-6 fat GLA is perhaps the best remedy for localized skin problems. Breaking open a gel cap of black-currant seed oil and rubbing it into the skin is a great remedy for dry skin, wrinkles, or even the most stubborn skin problems, and is as good if not better than all the expensive skin remedies on the market. It’s also good for burns, including sunburn, but only after the skin has been thoroughly cooled. If you’ve been training or competing in the sun and get burned, cool your skin in a cold tub, pool, or shower sufficiently until it stops feeling burned (this could take time depending on the severity of the burn).

Finally, don’t put anything on your skin you’re not willing to eat! That’s because you absorb most ointments, creams, lotions, soaps, and other items commonly used on the skin and scalp. Most especially avoid fragrance, which is listed on the label as such. Use only plain, pure liquid and solid soaps without chemicals—not easy to find when shopping but these products are available. Some are scented with lemon, peppermint, or other natural oils, which are healthy components.