When people think about folate during the periconceptional period, the first thing that comes to mind is preventing neural tube defects (NTDs). This has been a long-standing consensus and a prominent part of prenatal care. Yet few pause to consider that its role may extend beyond this single line of defense. Within the mosaic of balanced nutrition, it might also quietly influence a child’s future cognitive capacity and learning potential.

The Overlooked Potential of Folate
In late 2019, Neurology published the NEAD study, offering a fresh perspective: periconceptional folate supplementation could help lay a stronger foundation for a child’s intelligence and learning ability.

Supported by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the NEAD study followed a unique group of mothers and children at 25 epilepsy centers across the United States and the United Kingdom from 1999 to 2004. All participating mothers were taking a single antiseizure medication, and their babies were enrolled at birth for ongoing observation.

Children underwent blinded neuropsychological assessments throughout development, tracked up to age six. Researchers observed an intriguing pattern: children of mothers who consistently took folate during the periconceptional period scored 5–6 points higher on full-scale IQ tests at both ages three and six, compared with those whose mothers did not supplement.

Children underwent blinded neuropsychological assessments throughout development, tracked up to age six. Researchers observed an intriguing pattern: children of mothers who consistently took folate during the periconceptional period scored 5–6 points higher on full-scale IQ tests at both ages three and six, compared with those whose mothers did not supplement.

Beyond the overall IQ advantage, benefits extended to multiple domains closely tied to learning — including nonverbal reasoning, expressive language, and executive function — and these differences persisted as children entered school. For pregnant women requiring long-term antiseizure medication, appropriate folate intake not only reduces fetal malformation risk but also supports more stable and successful learning trajectories for their children.

Even Large Amounts of “Folate” Don’t Guarantee Effectiveness for Everyone
Ordinary synthetic folic acid must be converted by the body’s MTHFR enzyme into its active form — 6S-5-methyltetrahydrofolate — before it can be absorbed and utilized. Any folic acid that remains unconverted accumulates as Unmetabolized Folic Acid, potentially posing health risks to both mother and fetal development.

In China, 78.4% of the population exhibits reduced MTHFR enzyme activity affecting folate metabolism. Genotype variations (e.g., C677T, A1298C) correlate with differing enzyme efficiencies: roughly 21.6% have normal activity, 65% have intermediate activity (with elevated homocysteine risk), and about 13.8% show poor activity with higher risk.

This reality calls for an active folate — 6S-5-methyltetrahydrofolate — that bypasses MTHFR dependence and can be directly absorbed. Magnafolate (chemical name: calcium salt of 6S-5-methyltetrahydrofolate) offers a solution closer to physiological uptake. As the biologically active form of folate, it enters the system without metabolic bottlenecks.

A patented crystalline form C developed by Jinakng Hexin Pharmaceutical ensures stability and controlled release during storage and use. Toxicological studies classify its safety as practically non-toxic, making it especially gentle for hormone-sensitive pregnant and infant populations. Clinical data confirm that Magnafolate raises serum and erythrocyte folate levels rapidly, meeting periconceptional and fetal developmental needs more quickly.

For women planning pregnancy, managing epilepsy with medication during gestation, or concerned about personal folate metabolism status, Magnafolate may provide the cognitive protection suggested by the NEAD findings, while also delivering safety, efficiency, and individualized suitability.

The Significance of Periconceptional Folate Is Repeatedly Confirmed
We are coming to understand that scientific supplementation is not just about “what” to take, but also “how” and “whether it suits you.”

Magnafolate, crafted through rigorous patent technology and quality standards, represents a safer folate option. It allows us to embrace the promise of the future with greater peace of mind.

Note: Pregnant women should follow medical advice when supplementing folate.

Reference：
[1] Meador KJ, Pennell PB, May RC, et al. Effects of periconceptional folate on cognition in children of women with epilepsy: NEAD study. Neurology. 2019 Dec 23. doi:10.1212/WNL.00000000000008757
[2] Lian Zenglin, Liu Kang, Gu Jinhua, Cheng Yongzhi. Biological characteristics and applications of folate and 5-Methyltetrahydropteroic acid. *China Food Additives*, 2022(2): 229–238.

[3] Gu, R., Qi, D. Rapid Improvement with Crystal Form C of L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate Calcium Salt in Maternal Women with Folate Deficiency: A Pilot Study, J of Gyne Obste & Mother Health, 2024,2(6), 01-04.