New Findings Reveal Superior Folate Bioavailability Solution

New Findings Reveal Superior Folate Bioavailability Solution

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An interesting collaboration with PT Simex Pharmaceutical Indonesia confirmed the Superior Bioavailability of Quatrefolic®.

The study evalueted the pharmacokinetic profile of HY-FOLIC®, a finished product from PT Simex Pharmaceutical Indonesia, comparing it to folic acid following single oral administration in healthy volunteers. The results revealed that HY-FOLIC®, which contains (6S)-5-Methyltetrahydrofolic Acid, Glucosamine Salt as Quatrefolic ® active folate, is twice as bioavailable as folic acid. 

Why is Folate Important? 

Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is crucial for women of reproductive age as it supports DNA synthesis, cell division, and proper fetal neurological development. This is especially important for the approximately 140 million women who give birth each year and their newborns. 

Currently, folic acid is the recommended form of folate for women trying to conceive. However, many women have an MTHFR gene variant, which hampers the conversion of folic acid into its active form, 5-MTHF, potentially reducing folate availability. Unlike folic acid, active folate forms like Quatrefolic® do not require conversion in the body, making them more effective, particularly for women with this genetic variation. 

Our study findings suggest that HY-FOLIC® increases 5-MTHF levels in the body more effectively than folic acid,” states Merrylin Saragih, Head of Product Department at PT. Simex Pharmaceutical Indonesia. “This is especially important for individuals requiring enhanced folate bioavailability, such as pregnant women or those with genetic polymorphisms affecting folic acid metabolism.” 

Gnosis has enjoyed a trusted partnership with PT Simex for years. The company supplies its clinically validated Quatrefolic® and shares in the vindication of these findings.  

“We have espoused the need for the standard of care to change,” says Jean Francois Jeanne, Substantiation and Application Manager at Gnosis by Lesaffre, noting that Quatrefolic® from Gnosis is well-studied active folate, with research substantiating and quantifying its benefits in several health contexts for women’s health, including overall folate metabolism [3,4], cardiovascular health [5], and fertility [6]“We contend that clinically validated Quatrefolic® offers substantial advantages over folic acid, but also for a wider population. This study provides another strong element to that argument.”  

The study confirms that HY-FOLIC®, featuring Quatrefolic® active folate, is two-fold more bioavailable than folic acid.

The randomized, open-label, crossover design[1] demonstrated that a single dose of HY-FOLIC® revealed several key advantages of active folate: 

  1. 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 utilise folate twice as effectively.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 metabolised, potentially causing adverse effects.[2]
  4. 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.

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The information provided here is, to the best of our knowledge, true and accurate. However, our products must only be used in compliance with local laws and regulations. We cannot guarantee the freedom of use for every intended application or country. These statements may not have been evaluated by your local Food and Drug Administration. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. A healthy, balanced and diversified diet should fulfill all nutritional needs.