Folate 5-MTHF 400 mcg, 100 capsules

Folic acid versus active folate

In food, folic acid (also known in Germany and the USA as vitamin B11 or vitamin B9) is found in various forms, including the most biologically active form, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF).  This is the natural form of folate that circulates in the blood. Folic acid refers to the synthetically produced pteroylmonoglutamic acid, which is used as the source of folate in most dietary supplements .  Pteroylmonoglutamic acid is the most oxidised form of folate and, in this form, is found only in very small amounts, if at all, in food. The problem with folic acid is that a considerable number of people have difficulty converting it into the biologically active 5-MTHF . This can result in dietary supplements not being sufficiently effective and an undesirable build-up of unmetabolised folic acid.  For these reasons, Vitals uses only Quatrefolic®, which contains 5-MTHF bound to glucosamine salt.

The development of Quatrefolic®

Previously, the instability of active folate made it difficult to use it in dietary supplements.  However, the Italian developer Gnosis succeeded in stabilising this form of folate by binding it to a glucosamine salt (of plant origin). The result is Quatrefolic®, which, due to its higher bioavailability compared with three earlier sources of folic acid or folate. 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 easily 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 fatigue and support the normal function of the immune system by promoting regular blood formation.  In homocysteine metabolism, 5-MTHF acts as a methyl donor, converting homocysteine into methionine (with the help 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, proteins and neurotransmitters . Finally, folate is important for the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system. It therefore promotes concentration, memory and mood.

During pregnancy and when trying to conceive, folate is particularly important for women

Folate helps to promote tissue growth during pregnancy .  It is therefore involved in placenta formation and contributes to the normal development of the foetus. Consequently, the recommendation to consume folate (or folic acid) before and during pregnancy is widely recognised.  Raising the level of active folate in the blood to a sufficient level can take several weeks. It is therefore necessary and advisable to start taking the supplement at least four weeks before conception and to continue taking it for at least eight weeks after conception.  Additional folate can also be taken throughout the entire pregnancy. It is recommended that expectant mothers take a pregnancy multivitamin such as ‘Jeden Tag Mama’, which contains other essential nutrients as well as folic acid.

Nutritional properties

• Folate contributes to the growth of maternal tissue during pregnancy and to normal amino acid synthesis. It plays 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 functioning of the immune system.

Nutrition declaration

*Reference value 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 as part of a meal.

Storage instructions

Store in a cool, dry place away from light (not in the fridge).

Legal information

Do not exceed the recommended daily intake. Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet and a healthy