Folate 5-MTHF 400 mcg, 100 capsules

Folic acid versus active folate

In food, folic acid (known in Germany and the USA as Vitamin B11 or Vitamin B9) is present in various forms, including the biologically most active form 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF). This represents the natural form of folate that circulates in the blood. Folic acid refers to the artificially produced pteroylmonoglutamic acid used as the source of folate in most dietary supplements. Pteroylmonoglutamic acid is the most oxidised form of folate and is present in foods little or not at all in this form. The problem with folic acid is that a considerable number of people have difficulty converting it into the biologically active 5-MTHF. This can mean that supplements are not sufficiently effective and can lead to an undesirable accumulation of unmetabolised folic acid. For these reasons Vitals uses exclusively Quatrefolic®, which contains 5-MTHF bound to a glucosamine salt.

The development of Quatrefolic®

Previously, it was difficult to use active folate in supplements because of its instability. However, the Italian developer Gnosis succeeded in stabilising the folate form by combining it with a glucosamine salt (of plant origin). The result is Quatrefolic®, known as the “fourth-generation folate” because of its higher bioavailability compared with three earlier folic acid or folate sources. These include folate from food, synthetic folic acid and 5-MTHF bound to a calcium salt. The latter has significantly lower water solubility than 5-MTHF bound to a glucosamine salt. This explains the higher bioavailability of Quatrefolic®, as it is therefore more readily absorbed by the cells of the intestinal wall.

Functions of folate

Folate supports normal cell division and is therefore involved in the production of cells and tissues, including red and white blood cells. Folate can help reduce tiredness and fatigue and support the normal function of the immune system by promoting normal blood formation. 5-MTHF acts as a methyl donor in homocysteine metabolism, converting homocysteine into methionine (with the participation of vitamins B6 and B12). Therefore, an adequate intake of folate has a positive effect on homocysteine metabolism. The main use of methionine is in the production of the methyl donor S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), which is involved in the synthesis of DNA, RNA, phospholipids, protein and neurotransmitters. Finally, folate is important for normal brain and nerve function. It therefore supports concentration, memory and mood.

Folate is of particular importance for women during pregnancy and when trying to conceive

Folate helps promote the growth of tissues during pregnancy. It is therefore involved in placenta formation and contributes to the normal development of the fetus. Thus, the recommendation to consume folate (or folic acid) before and during pregnancy is widely known. Increasing the active folate level in the blood to an adequate level can take several weeks. Therefore it is necessary and sensible to begin supplementation at least four weeks before conception and to continue it for at least eight weeks after conception. Additional folate can also be taken throughout pregnancy. Expectant mothers are advised to use a pregnancy multivitamin supplement such as Every Day Mama, which, in addition to folic acid, also includes other essential nutrients.

Nutritional properties

• Folate contributes to the growth of maternal tissues during pregnancy and to normal amino acid synthesis. It has a role in cell division.
• Folate contributes to normal blood formation and to normal homocysteine metabolism.
• Folate contributes to normal psychological function and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
• Folate contributes to the normal function of the immune system.

Nutritional information

*Reference intake according to Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011

Ingredients

Rice flour (Oryza sativa), vegetarian capsule (pullulan, from fermented cassava starch), anti-caking agent (calcium salts of fatty acids), 5-methyltetrahydrofolate-glucosamine salt.

Recommended intake

Take 1 capsule per day with water at a meal.

Storage instructions

Store in a cool, dry place protected from light (do not refrigerate).

Legal notice

The recommended daily intake should not be exceeded. Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet and a healthy