- Contains the most bioactive, methylated form of folate
- May counteract neural tube defects in the fetus
- Has a beneficial effect on newborn development
- Supports the functioning of the immune system
- Improves mood and eliminates feelings of fatigue
- Supports the proper course of methylation processes
- Helps optimize homocysteine levels
- Promotes proper functioning of the nervous system
- Helps in the proper production of blood
Doctor's Best Fully Active Folate is a dietary supplement in capsules containing the most biologically active, stable form of folate in the form of glucosamine salt of (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid (5-MTHF). Among other things, folate participates in the regulation of growth, cell function and cell division, has a beneficial effect on the nervous system and brain, prevents neural tube defects in the fetus, has a beneficial effect on the development of newborns and participates in the normal production of blood.
Folic acid vs folate
Folic acid (vitamin B9), contrary to popular belief, is not the same as folate. Folate is the generic name for a group of natural related compounds with similar properties, while folic acid is a synthetic form of vitamin B9. Unlike folate, folic acid is not converted into the biologically active form of vitamin B9 in the digestive system, but mainly in the liver, which is less efficient and much slower. The body needs more time to produce the active form of vitamin B9, and in some cases may have trouble fully metabolizing even small doses of the compound.
The formula contains the most biologically active form of folate in the form of glucosamine salt of (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid (5-MTHF).
The natural and richest food sources of folate are: green vegetables, legumes, yeast, egg yolks, liver or citrus fruits. At the same time, it should be taken into account that natural folates are not stable, as they are subject to decomposition under the influence of light, temperature, the action of oxygen, as well as heat treatment of food, among others.
Maintaining proper and stable folate concentrations counteracts DNA methylation disorders, abnormalities in the synthesis of purines and pyrimidines, and prevents the development of hyperhomocysteinemia. Folate metabolism is also involved in the methylation of neurotransmitters, phospholipids that are part of cell membranes, histones, myelin, or hormones. An adequate supply of folate ensures proper metabolism of amino acids including cysteine, glycine, serine, and methionine. A number of biological processes inside cells take place with the participation of folate, and maintaining its proper concentration in the body reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as disorders of the nervous system and abnormalities on the part of the hematopoietic system.
5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) is an important element involved in the production of methionine from homocysteine. Disorders in homocysteine metabolism result in its accumulation inside the cell with subsequent transport into the blood. Depending on the magnitude of the disorder, plasma homocysteine levels can increase to varying degrees. Too much of its accumulation is called hyperhomocysteinemia, which is considered one of the increased risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, fetal malformations or cancer.
A group of particular importance when it comes to folate supplementation are women planning to become pregnant, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. Adequate folate intake by pregnant women can reduce the risk of many complications, including: miscarriages, intrauterine deaths, fetal growth restriction and organic defects in both the fetus and newborn. Another interesting aspect of adequate maternal folate intake during the prenatal period is the reduction of the risk of mental developmental disorders among children. Folate influences the growth and division of glial cells, neurons, and is also involved in the production of neurotransmitters, i.e. serotonin, norepinephrine, epinephrine and dopamine, thus supporting the development of their nervous system even after the neural tube is closed.
An inadequate supply of folate is not the only reason why folate supplementation is recommended. Many modern scientific studies provide evidence that a large proportion of the population suffers from genetic deficits in the enzymes that enable the body to properly metabolize the often-supplemented folic acid into active coenzyme forms. These deficits are mainly associated with mutations in the MTHFR gene.
Unlike folic acid, the 5-MTHF contained in the formula is the active form of folate and can directly reach the cell, bypassing a number of enzymatic transformations that can reduce its effectiveness.
In summary, Doctor's Best Fully Active Folate is a dietary supplement that supplements the diet with folate, which is extremely important for the proper functioning of the body. Folate supplementation is especially recommended among all people at risk of folate deficiency, in particular: pregnant women, infants and the elderly.
Adequate intake of folate can support normal brain development in the fetus and its functioning in adults. It also plays an important role in maintaining mental and emotional health.
