What Is It? Folic acid (or folate) is vitamin B9, a water-soluble vitamin that plays a key role in DNA and RNA synthesis, red blood cell production, the metabolism of proteins, and healthy genetic expression. BioFolate contains L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (L-5-MTHF), the active form of folate that is used in the body. Unlike the folates found in dark green leafy vegetables, oranges, liver, and most supplemental forms of folic acid, L-5-MTHF does not need to be enzymatically altered prior to absorption. It is therefore absorbed twice as efficiently as natural folates. In addition, a large percentage of the population lacks the ability to convert dietary folate into the biologically active form, which can cause a folate deficiency. How Does It Work? Supplementing with L-5-MTHF helps prevent a folic acid deficiency. Folic acid deficiency can cause a number of health problems, of which the most documented is neural tube defects in developing infants. Symptoms of deficiency include: weakness, fatigue, irritability, headaches, difficulties in cognitive function, mood imbalances, cramps, palpitations, shortness of breath, and can lead to more serious health problems. Some conditions can actually lead to secondary folate deficiencies through decreased absorption or an increase in the body’s demand for folate. These include alcoholism, Crohn’s disease, lymphoma or amyloidosis of the small intestine, diabetic enteropathy, gluten sensitivity, sickle cell disease, chronic exfoliative skin disorders, and of course, pregnancy. AOR Advantage BioFolate also contains a small amount of vitamin B12 in the active form of methylcobalamin, since folate supplementation can mask a vitamin B12 deficiency. Expectant mothers or others who are at risk of being deficient or low in folic acid could benefi t from taking BioFolate.
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