Folate optimized

Folate, a member of the B-complex family, is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters and in many other critical enzymatic reactions that take place in the body. Optimal levels of the essential vitamin play a role in cell division and amino acid synthesis. Folate contributes to the metabolism of homocysteine.

However, many who take the usual folic acid supplements may not benefit from this, as not all of us can convert folic acid into a biologically active form - 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate or 5-MTHF. Research shows that in a large proportion of the population, there is a defect in the gene for the enzyme that allows the conversion of folic acid into a biologically active form. Thus, many have low folate levels and higher homocysteine levels in their blood than would be good.

A better approach is direct supplementation with a metabolically active form of folate called 5-MTHF, which is up to 7 times more bioavailable than ordinary folic acid.

Studies show that the effectiveness of 5-MTHF can be further increased by co-supplementation with methylcobalamin (the active form of vitamin B12), vitamin B6 and riboflavin.

Folat contributes:

• to the development of maternal tissue during pregnancy
  to amino acid synthesis
  to blood formation
  to homocysteine metabolism
  to normal psychological functioning
  to the functioning of the immune system
  to reduce fatigue and exhaustion
  plays a role in cell division