Folate education
Folinic Acid Ingredient FAQ
Plain-language answers to common questions about folinic acid, calcium folinate, folate labeling, powder format, and KIVELIX.
This FAQ covers the ingredient and label questions people most often encounter when comparing folate supplements. It is intended to make the terminology easier to understand, not to recommend a folate form for a medical condition.
What is folinic acid?
Folinic acid is a form of folate, or vitamin B9. Its chemical name is 5-formyltetrahydrofolate (5-formyl-THF), and it is a reduced folate.
Is folinic acid the same as folic acid?
No. Folic acid is the fully oxidized form commonly used in fortified foods and many supplements. Folinic acid is 5-formyl-THF, a reduced folate that does not require the same DHFR reduction step before entering the reduced-folate pool.
Is folinic acid the same as methylfolate?
No. Methylfolate generally means 5-MTHF. Folinic acid is 5-formyl-THF. Both are reduced folates, but they are different molecules.
What is calcium folinate?
Calcium folinate is a calcium salt used to supply folinic acid. KIVELIX provides folinic acid from calcium folinate.
Is calcium folinate a calcium supplement?
No. Calcium is part of the ingredient's salt form, but KIVELIX is sold as a folate supplement. Read the Supplement Facts panel for the stated folate and folinic-acid amounts.
What does DFE mean?
DFE means Dietary Folate Equivalents. U.S. folate labels use DFE to express folate amounts while accounting for differences among dietary and supplemental sources.
How much folinic acid is in KIVELIX?
Each labeled serving provides 600 mcg (0.6 mg) folinic acid from calcium folinate and is listed as 1,000 mcg DFE folate.
How many servings are in a pouch?
Each 60 g KIVELIX pouch contains 600 labeled servings.
What is the serving size?
One serving is one level scoop of the total powder, equal to 0.1 g and approximately 1/32 teaspoon.
What are the other ingredients?
Plant-derived potato starch is the only other ingredient listed by KIVELIX. There are no added flavors or sweeteners.
Does KIVELIX dissolve in water?
The product directions state that the powder does not fully dissolve in plain water. It can be mixed into suitable foods or beverages and should be consumed promptly after mixing.
Can I mix it into hot food or drinks?
KIVELIX directions say to avoid hot foods, hot liquids, or heating.
How should I store it?
Store in a cool, dry place, keep the pouch tightly sealed, and keep the scoop dry. Keep out of reach of children.
Is KIVELIX the same as prescription leucovorin?
No. Folinic acid is also called leucovorin in pharmaceutical contexts, but a dietary supplement is not automatically interchangeable with a prescription drug. Prescription products can differ in dose, formulation, intended use, and medical supervision.
Can I use KIVELIX instead of a prescription folinate product?
Do not substitute a dietary supplement for a prescribed medication unless the prescribing health care professional specifically directs you to do so.
Who should talk with a health care professional before using folate supplements?
Anyone who is pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or under medical supervision should discuss supplement use with a health care professional. Folate can interact with certain medications.
Looking specifically for folinic acid?
KIVELIX Folinic Acid Powder provides 600 mcg folinic acid per serving from calcium folinate in an unflavored powder with one other ingredient: plant-derived potato starch. Each pouch contains 600 servings and includes a small 1/32 teaspoon serving scoop.
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