Pregnancy is a critical time for ensuring the health of both mother and child, and folate plays a vital role. It's not just about supporting fetal development; folate also helps prevent neural tube defects and other congenital abnormalities. Yet, have you considered that the form of folate you choose could impact your health and even link to the risk of gestational diabetes (GDM)?

The Vital Role of Folate

Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin essential for our body's functions, including DNA synthesis, cell division, and protein metabolism. Prenatal folic acid supplementation is advised to prevent neural tube defects and congenital heart disease, which is why doctors recommend starting this supplementation before conception and continuing into early pregnancy.

Folic Acid vs. 6S-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate

The predominant form of folate supplementation in the market is synthetic folic acid (FA), a stable compound used in supplements and fortified foods. However, recent studies suggest that excessive synthetic folic acid intake could lead to the accumulation of unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA) in the blood, potentially increasing the risk of gestational diabetes.

Research indicates that high levels of synthetic folic acid can inhibit the activity of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), disrupting one-carbon metabolism and homocysteine (HCY) metabolism. As MTHFR is a key enzyme in folic acid metabolism, its reduced activity can elevate homocysteine levels, which are associated with oxidative stress, apoptosis, and insulin resistance—key risk factors for gestational diabetes.

The Benefits of 6S-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate

6S-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate is the end product of folic acid metabolism within the body, readily absorbed and constituting over 98% of our body's folic acid. Unlike synthetic folic acid, which requires conversion by dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), 6S-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) offers the significant advantage of direct absorption without the need for metabolic conversion. Additionally, it participates in homocysteine metabolism, helping to lower homocysteine levels and prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Conclusion

Choosing the right form of folate supplementation is crucial for the health of both you and your baby. While synthetic folic acid is widely used, considering its potential risks for gestational diabetes, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate may be a safer and more effective alternative.

Especially noteworthy is naturalization folate (Magnafolate), which is produced without harmful substances like formaldehyde and p-toluenesulfonic acid, and strictly JK12A and 5-Methyltetrahydropteroic acid impurities, ensuring a virtually non-toxic level. It can rapidly elevate serum and red blood cell folic acid levels, making it a more suitable source of active folate for mothers and babies.

Proper nutritional supplementation is key to a healthy pregnancy. Let's strive together for a healthy gestation period!

References:

1.     Williamson, J.M.; Arthurs, A.L.; Smith, M.D.; Roberts, C.T.; Jankovic-Karasoulos, T. High Folate, Perturbed One-Carbon Metabolism and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. Nutrients 2022, 14, 3930.

2.     Wang Shuowen, Zhang Qizong, Zhang Ting, Wang Li. Research Progress on 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate in Preventing Folic Acid Deficiency. International Journal of Pediatrics, 2020, 47(10): 723-726.

3.     Pietrzik K, Bailey L, Shane B. Folic Acid and L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate: Comparison of Clinical Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics. Clin Pharmacokinet. 2010;49(8):535-548.

4.     Lian Zenglin, Liu Kang, Gu Jinhua, Cheng Yongzhi, et al. Biological Characteristics and Applications of Folic Acid and 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate. China Food Additives, 2022, Issue 2.

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