- Contains fourth-generation folate - Quatrefolic®.
- Features very good bioavailability
- Participates in the biosynthesis of DNA and RNA
- Takes part in erythrocyte digestion
- Prevents the development of anemia
- Participates in the conversion of amino acids
- Reduces the risk of hyperhomocysteinemia
- Protects cardiovascular health
- Recommended for women before and during pregnancy
- Supports normal fetal development
- Supports the health of the nervous system
- Counteracts depression and dementia
Swanson Folate Quatrefolic is a dietary supplement containing a carefully selected dose of easily absorbed 4th generation folate - Quatrefolic® found in the form of glucosamine salt of (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid.
Quatrefolic® is the glucosamine salt of (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), which is structurally similar to the reduced and active form of folic acid. This patented ingredient is a fourth-generation folate with high stability, very good water solubility, improved bioavailability and well-studied safety of use.
Unlike folic acid, which is a synthetic version of folate, 5-MTHF occurs naturally in food. Folate deficiency is believed to be one of the most common vitamin deficiencies in the world. The reason for this is largely due to food processing, inadequate choice of products consumed and intestinal disorders. In the human body, 5-MTHF can convert into any other form of active folate.
Properties of folate
Folates are involved in the formation of purines and pyrimidines, which in turn are needed for the synthesis of DNA and RNA nucleic acids. This is especially important during fetal development in the first trimester of pregnancy. In addition, they are responsible for the biosynthesis of heme, the formation and maturation of red and white blood cells, and the conversion of amino acids, including: the conversion of glycine to serine, methionine to homocysteine, tyrosine from phenylalanine, and glutamic acid from histidine.
Hyperhomocysteinemia
Hyperhomocysteinemia is widely recognized as an independent risk factor for peripheral, coronary and cerebrovascular disease. Molecular mechanisms of homocysteine-induced cellular dysfunction include increased expression of inflammatory cytokines, altered nitric oxide bioavailability, induction of oxidative stress, activation of apoptosis and defective methylation. Reducing elevated plasma homocysteine levels means lowering not only an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, neural tube defects, other birth defects and decreased male and female fertility, but also Alzheimer's disease, cognitive decline, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney failure and cancer.
Supplementation with 5-MTHF is more beneficial than taking folic acid in these matters. 5-MTHF is immediately available to react with homocysteine, and in this way there is a reduced chance of hyperhomocysteinemia. Folate coenzymes, in combination with vitamin B12, enable the conversion of the amino acid homocysteine to methionine.
Conversion of tetrahydrofolic acid to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate is mediated by the action of the enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. In individuals with a genetic defect in this enzyme, folate metabolism is impaired predisposing these individuals to an increased risk of the aforementioned health problems. For both of these reasons, supplementation of the active form of folate in the form of the glucosamine salt of (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid contained in the product in question is recommended.
Depression, cognitive impairment, dementia and Alzheimer's disease
Studies suggest that there is a link between mental vitality, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, the amount of folate in the brain. In addition, a direct link between the amount of this component in the plasma and depression is claimed. It has been noted that folate levels in the cerebrospinal fluid decline with age, and that there is a correlation of this phenomenon with mental function, especially depression and dementia. Folate deficiency can contribute to depressed mood, so theirs may be useful for patients with depression.
Anemia
Folate finds use in the treatment of megaloblastic anemia, which is characterized by deformed and larger red blood cells, as well as a slower rate of red blood cell production and shorter life expectancy. This type of anemia is most common among infants, adolescents, pregnant and breastfeeding women, alcoholics, the elderly and those struggling with nutrient malabsorption disorders.
Pregnancy
The need for folate increases during increased human cell growth, such as during pregnancy. The period before and the first period after conception are particularly important when it comes to folate supplementation, as a woman often does not know she is pregnant. It is recommended that folic acid levels be high for at least a month before possible conception and remain at that level for the first three months of pregnancy. Studies have shown that low folate intake increases the risk of poor fetal or placental growth and the birth of a child with birth defects, particularly neural tube defects such as spina bifida or a defect in the brain itself.
Infants and children
Folate is a very important nutrient at a time when the growth of human cells is very active, and its deficiency can slow down the overall development of the body. Infants, children and adolescents are at a critical stage of growth, and adequate folate levels are recommended to prevent a variety of conditions, such as anemia, and enable their proper development.
Older people
During aging, many physiological changes occur in the body. Several studies have focused on understanding how these transformations can affect the nutritional requirements of adults and the elderly, and how diet and nutrition can influence or modify these changing functions. The results of these studies indicate that the incidence of heart disease can be controlled by nutritional components.
Recent studies show that hyperhomocysteinemia, like high levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood, is a factor that contributes to the risk of coronary heart disease. Blood homocysteine levels are largely controlled by vitamin B12, vitamin B6 and folate. In addition, epidemiological studies and case observations suggest that low blood folate levels are associated with cognitive decline, dementia and Alzheimer's disease. It has been hypothesized that there is a link between folate deficiency and cognitive impairment, which is most likely due to the role of active folate in reducing homocysteine levels and its effects on the vascular system.
In summary, Swanson Folate Quatrefolic is a dietary supplement whose intake is recommended primarily among women before and in the early stages of pregnancy, as well as in the treatment of anemia caused by folate deficiency. Prearat is also recommended for people who are genetically burdened or predisposed to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
