why are maleic acid and fumaric acid different compounds
Maleic acid Maleic acid or cis-butenedioic acid is an organic compound that is a dicarboxylic acid, a molecule with two carboxyl groups. Its chemical formula is HO2CCH=CHCO2H. Maleic acid is the cis-isomer of butenedioic acid, whereas fumaric acid is the trans-isomer. It is mainly used as a precursor to fumaric acid, and relative to its parent maleic anhydride, maleic acid has few applications.
Folate Folic acid used in fortified foods is a synthetic form called pteroylmonoglutamate.[99] It is in its oxidized state and contains only one conjugated glutamate residue.[99] Folic acid therefore enters via a different carrier system from naturally occurring folate, and this may have different effects on folate binding proteins and its transporters.[100] Folic acid has a higher bioavailability than natural folates and are rapidly absorbed across the intestine;[99] therefore, it is important to consider the Dietary Folate Equivalent (DFE) when calculating one's intake. Natural occurring folate is equal to 1 DFE;, however, 0.6 µg of folic acid is equal to 1 DFE.