• Bioactive methylated form of folic acid
• Supports regulation of homocysteine level
• Reduces the risk of cardiovascular incidents
• Promotes the proper functioning of the nervous system
• Adds energy and reduces fatigue
• Helps to keep the proper energy metabolism
• Recommended for pregnant women or women planning to get pregnant

Doctor's Best Fully Active Folate 400 with Quatrefolic is a dietary supplement which contains the mostly bioactive form of folic acid in form of glucosamine salt of (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid (5-MTHF). There is no need for further transformations in the body system, so that the special formula is characterised by high bioavailability, and the addition of vitamin C stabilises its action.

Folic acid (vitamin B9, folate, folacin) is made of p-aminobensoic acid (PABA), glutamic acid and pteridin. A wide spectrum of folic acid application results from the fact that the compound both directly and indirectly affects the proper metabolism in body system cells.

The bioactive form of folic acid in the body system is tetrahydrofolic acid, whose polyglutamic derivatives play roles of coenzymes necessary for i.a. synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins, amino acids metabolism as well as homocysteine transformation into cysteine.

Folic acid in food
Vitamin B9 was first obtained from spinach leaves, from which it received its name (Latin folium – a leaf). The reason for folic acid discovery was looking for a component of yeasts, which was responsible for their therapeutic properties, as it was observed that yeast extract supported i.a. treatment of anaemia in women.

Apart from spinach and yeasts, the sources of folic acid are also broccoli, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, nuts, liver, salmon and eggs. However, the form of folic acid present in food can be characterised by law stability, as folates are sensible to various factors, including high temperature, sunlight, metal ions (iron, copper), and the losses resulting from heat treatment can amount even for 50–80%.

Factors affecting folic acid absorption
Bioavailability of folic acid depends on various factors. Stimulants, such as alcohol and cigarettes, hinder absorption of folic acid and its accumulation in cells. Absorption of vitamin B9 can be also affected by inflammations of digestive system (coeliac disease, Crohn’s disease) and particular drugs (NSAID, preparations containing aluminium and magnesium, oral contraceptives, cholestyramines). Metabolism of folic acid is also affected by vitamins, especially vitamins B6 and B12.

Consequences and symptoms of folic acid deficiency
Deficiency of folic acid leads i.a. to megaloblastic anaemia, increase in homocysteine concentration, impaired DNA synthesis, impaired nervous system functions and serious foetal malformations (neural tube defects).

Folic acid deficiency symptoms include hyperactivity, sleep disorders, fatigue and cognitive disorders (problems with memory and concentration). Such symptoms as digestive disorders, depression and anxiety can also indicate too low supply of vitamin B9.

Folic acid – for pregnant women
One of the best known functions of folic acid is its counteracting foetal neural tube defects. As during foetal development there is an increase in DNA production, also the demand for folates increases. Numerous scientific studies indicate that folic acid reduces the risk of some congenital effects in newborns. Insufficient supply of folic acid increases frequency of miscarriages and pregnancy complications as well as increases birth weight.

Role of folic acid in atherosclerosis prevention
The proper supply of folic acid is an important element in atherosclerosis prevention. Vitamin B9 plays a role of methylene group donor for methyltransferase, an enzyme responsible for homocysteine methylation. Homocysteine is a sulphuric amino acid, a by-product of methionine transformations, and its increased level is a risk factor of cardiovascular diseases.

Impaired homocysteine transformations can lead to its accumulation in blood, which contributes to atherosclerotic lesions. Hyperhomocysteinemia contributes also to damages of connective tissue of arteries and increases adhesion of blood platelets to endothelium. Folic acid supplementation reduces homocysteine level, and it is also suggested that it can prevent coronary disease.

Folic acid and functioning of the nervous system
Folic acid participates in the synthesis of neurostimulating substances – dopamine, noradrenaline and adrenaline, which is why it plays an important role in the functioning of the nervous system. Moreover, it is a key element in synthesis of myelin sheath, which isolates the nerves.

Increase in homocysteine level is associated with atherosclerosis of arteries within the brain, which is why it can lead to brain ischemia, microinfarcts and development of neurodegenerative diseases. Folates deficiencies can also affect decline in S-adenosyl methionine (SAM), which is necessary for the proper catecholamine transformations in brain.

The above properties of folic acid and deficiencies results indicate that it significantly affects activity of the nervous system, and its deficiency can cause dementia, mood deterioration and cognitive disorders.

To sum it all up, Fully Active Folate 400 with Quatrefolic is a dietary supplement which perfectly complements folic acid deficiencies. The preparation is recommended not only for pregnant women and women planning to get pregnant, but also for people with methylation disorders and increased levels of homocysteine.