Balchem, a global manufacturer of specialty ingredients for human nutrition and health (HNH), has launched Optifolin+. This bioactive, choline-enriched folate (L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate) ingredient is developed to open new avenues for brands in the US dietary supplement market.
Optifolin+ combines the power of folate (L-5-MTHF) with the company’s leading brand of choline (VitaCholine) to empower cellular health in all stages of life and support consumers during pregnancy and child development through to adulthood.
This novel choline-enriched folate salt offers stability and solubility, enabling ease in product development for supplement manufacturers.
Adequate folate intake also helps maintain homocysteine levels, which contributes to preserving brain health and cognitive function as we age
“Folate supplementation is widely recognised as being crucial from the preconceptional period, through pregnancy and breastfeeding, since it plays a key role in supporting the health of mums and babies every step of the way. Adequate folate intake also helps maintain homocysteine levels, which contributes to preserving brain health and cognitive function as we age.2 While there are existing folate solutions available on the market, Optifolin+ is the first choline-enriched salt in this space. This unique folate and choline combination has seven times the methyl groups than other folate brands, and is critical to building and preserving genetic material which help support prenatal, heart and brain health.” Comments Frederic Boned, Sr. Vice President & GM, Balchem Human Nutrition and Health
A supercharged folate
Optifolin+ is a patented L-5-methylfolate, with 98% active methylating nutrients. This first-of-its-kind ingredient provides seven times the methyl groups found in other folate products, which promote balanced and effective methylation within the body.
This simple yet vital biochemical process of methylation helps to regulate the activity of cardiovascular, neurological and reproductive systems. As such, Optifolin+ is uniquely positioned to support DNA and RNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, protein metabolism2, and neural tube development,2,3 while supporting healthy fetal development3.
What’s more, unlike folic acid, Optifolin+ is biologically active. Meaning, it is readily available for transport and use in the human body and tissues, with fewer metabolic roadblocks and no need for conversion, preventing the accumulation of unmetabolised folic acid, making Optifolin+ the right choice to meet Vitamin B9 recommended requirements.
For manufacturers formulating with Optifolin+, the combination of choline with L-5-methylfolate provides enhanced stability, solubility for efficiency, shelf life, and better performance. This also allows for easier development of innovative and convenient solutions including tablets, capsules, sachets and stick packs.
