- Bioactive, methylated form of folic acid
- Helps regulate homocysteine levels
- Reduces the risk of cardiovascular incidents
- Promotes proper functioning of the nervous system
- Adds energy and eliminates feelings of fatigue
- Helps maintain normal metabolism
- Recommended for women planning and being pregnant
Doctor's Best Fully Active Folate 400 with Quatrefolic is a dietary supplement containing the most bioactive form of folic acid in the form of glucosamine salt of (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid (5-MTHF). The special formula does not need to undergo additional transformations in the body, so it has high bioavailability, and the addition of vitamin C stabilizes its effect.
Acid Folic acid (vitamin B9, folate, folacin) is built from p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), glutamic acid and pteridine base. The widespread use of folic acid is possible, among other reasons, because this compound both indirectly and directly affects the normal course of metabolic changes occurring in the body's cells.
The bioactive form of folic acid in the body is tetrahydrofolic acid, whose polyglutamine derivatives act as coenzymes necessary for, among other things, the synthesis of nucleic acids, proteins, amino acid metabolism and the conversion of homocysteine to cysteine.
Occurrence of folic acid in food
Vitamin B9 was first obtained from the leaves of spinach, to which it owes its name (Latin: folium - leaf). The motivation for the discovery of folic acid was the search for an ingredient found in yeast that was responsible for its medicinal properties, as it was observed that the administration of yeast extract helped treat anemia in women, among other things.
Sources of folic acid, in addition to spinach and yeast, include, for example, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, nuts, liver, salmon, eggs, but the form of folic acid found in food products may have poor stability, as folate is sensitive to a number of factors, including high temperature, sunlight, metal ions (iron, copper), and its loss through heat treatment can be as high as 50-80%. Folic acid
Factors affecting the absorption of folic acid
The bioavailability of folic acid depends on the action of many factors. Drugs such as alcohol and cigarettes interfere with the absorption of folic acid, as well as its accumulation in cells. The absorption of vitamin B9 is also affected by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract (celiac disease, Crohn's disease) and also by taking certain medications (NSAIDs, aluminum and magnesium preparations, oral contraceptives, cholestyramine). Other vitamins, especially vitamin B6 and B12, also play an important role in the metabolism of folic acid.
Consequences and symptoms of folic acid deficiency
Folic acid deficiency leads to, among other things, megaloblastic anemia, increased blood homocysteine levels, impaired DNA synthesis, nervous system dysfunction and severe fetal abnormalities - neural tube defects.
Folic acid deficiency can manifest itself in the form of hyperactivity, sleep disorders, excessive feelings of fatigue and cognitive dysfunction - trouble with memory and concentration. Also, such symptoms as digestive disorders, depression, feelings of anxiety and restlessness can indicate an insufficient supply of vitamin B9.
Folic acid - for pregnant women
One of the most well-known functions of folic acid is its role in preventing neural tube defects in the fetus. As fetal development is a process involving increased DNA production, the need for folate also increases. Numerous scientific studies indicate that taking folic acid reduces the risk of developing certain congenital malformations among newborns. An insufficient supply of folic acid, on the other hand, contributes to an increase in the frequency of miscarriages and pregnancy complications and reduces the birth weight of the newborn,
The role of folic acid in the prevention of atherosclerosis
A proper supply of folic acid is an important element in the prevention of atherosclerosis. Vitamin B9 acts as a methylene group donor for methyltransferase, an enzyme that is responsible for the methylation of homocysteine. Homocysteine is a sulfur amino acid that is a byproduct of methionine metabolism, and elevated levels are a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Disorders in the metabolism of homocysteine can lead to the accumulation of excess homocysteine in the blood, which in turn is a factor in the development of atherosclerotic lesions. Hyperhomocysteinemia also contributes to damage to the connective tissue of the arteries and increased platelet adhesion to the endothelium. Folic acid supplementation reduces homocysteine levels, and is suspected to be an independent factor in the prevention of coronary artery disease.
Folic acid and nervous system function
Folic acid participates in the synthesis of substances with neurostimulatory properties - dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine, and therefore plays an important role in the functioning of the nervous system. In addition, it is a key element in the processes of synthesizing the myelin sheath, which is the insulating layer of nerves.
Increased levels of homocysteine are associated with atherosclerosis of the arteries within the brain, and thus can be a factor leading to cerebral ischemia, micro-infarcts and the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Folate deficiency also impairs the synthesis of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), which is essential for the normal metabolism of catecholamines in the brain.
The above properties of folic acid and the effects of its deficiency prove that it is a component that significantly affects the activity of the nervous system, and its deficiency can cause dementia, mood deterioration and cognitive impairment.
In conclusion, Fully Active Folate 400 with Quatrefolic is a dietary supplement that effectively supplements folic acid deficiency. This product is indicated not only for pregnant women and those trying to have a baby, but also for people with methylation disorders and elevated homocysteine levels.
