Women’s health is on the rise. In its subsegments, such as fertility, pregnancy, and menopause, folate is the star ingredient of several products. A new clinical study on Quatrefolic® by Gnosis by Lesaffre has recently been published, proving this active folate’s superior bioavailability compared to folic acid.
Why choose active folate instead of folic acid?
Folate, vitamin B9, is essential for women of reproductive age as it plays a vital role in DNA synthesis, cell division, and the proper neurological development of the fetus. It is critical for the approximate 140 million women who give birth each year – and their newborns. However, folic acid is the current recommendation for those seeking to become pregnant. Yet, many women express an MTHFR polymorphism. This inhibits and reduces the conversion of folic acid into its active form, 5-MTHF (5- methyltetrahydrofolate); this potentially affects folate bioavailability. Unlike folic acid, active folate doesn’t require conversion in the body. This makes it more effective, particularly for women with this genetic mutation.
Quatrefolic®
Quatrefolic® is the active form of folate, 5-MTHF, naturally present in the body and available for its biological action. The ingredient is clinically validated in several categories: fertility, pregnancy, cardiovascular health, bioavailability, and safety. Its high solubility ensures the highest bioavailability. Quatrefolic® co-branding differentiates products, and consumers appreciate branded ingredients with proven benefits. It is protected by international patents.
Clinical study
A new study, published in the International Journal of Applied Pharmaceutics, evaluated the pharmacokinetic profile of HY-FOLIC®, a finished product produced by PT. Simex Pharmaceutical Indonesia, versus folic acid after single oral administration in healthy volunteers. The results showed that HY-FOLIC®, which delivers Quatrefolic®, is twice more bioavailable than folic acid.
The randomized, open-label, crossover design demonstrated that a single dose of HY-FOLIC® revealed several key advantages of active folate:
- Superior Absorption and Bioavailability: HY-FOLIC (Quatrefolic®) is two-fold more bioavailable than folic acid (higher peak plasma concentration Cmax and AUCt), ensuring the body can access and utilize folate twice as effectively.
- Avoidance of Metabolic Limitations: Unlike folic acid, HY-FOLIC bypasses the metabolic conversion steps requiring the DHFR and MTHFR enzymes, making it particularly beneficial for individuals with genetic polymorphisms (~40% of the worldwide population) that impair folic acid metabolism.
- Reduction in Unmetabolized Folic Acid (UMFA): HY-FOLIC resulted in significantly lower levels of UMFA, which can accumulate in the bloodstream when folic acid is not fully metabolized, potentially causing adverse effects.[2]
- Clinical Importance in Specific Populations: This study highlights HY-FOLIC as an ideal supplement for groups with higher folate demands, such as pregnant women, individuals with folate deficiencies/inadequacies, or those undergoing methotrexate therapy, where optimal folate availability is crucial.
For more information about the clinical study on Quatrefolic®, click on the link below.
Women’s health is on the rise and it’s growing faster than the total dietary supplement average.
Clinically studied ingredients with proven effects and improved stability maximize chances for success. To learn more about Quatrefolic®‘s success in the CEE region, click here.