Quatrefolic®

Quatrefolic® represents a groundbreaking advancement in folate supplementation, offering the glucosamine salt of (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), the metabolically active form of folate. Unlike synthetic folic acid, which requires a multi-step enzymatic conversion within the body to become biologically active, Quatrefolic® bypasses this process entirely. This is critically important for individuals with genetic variations, particularly polymorphisms in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) enzyme, which can impair the body's ability to convert folic acid efficiently. As a fourth-generation folate, Quatrefolic® is engineered for superior stability, enhanced bioavailability, and optimal solubility, ensuring that the body can readily absorb and utilize this essential nutrient for a myriad of physiological functions. Its advanced formulation makes it a highly reliable and effective source of active folate, addressing nutritional needs more directly than conventional forms. It is supplied as a powder, making it versatile for various supplement applications.

This advanced form of folate plays a pivotal role in numerous fundamental biological processes. As a direct participant in one-carbon metabolism, 5-MTHF is indispensable for methylation reactions, which are vital for DNA synthesis and repair, gene expression, protein function, and neurotransmitter synthesis. A key benefit is its contribution to healthy homocysteine metabolism. Elevated homocysteine levels are recognized as a risk factor for cardiovascular concerns. Research, including studies published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," consistently demonstrates that supplementation with active folate, such as 5-MTHF, can effectively reduce plasma homocysteine levels by facilitating its conversion to methionine. Furthermore, 5-MTHF is crucial for the synthesis of monoamine neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, indirectly supporting mood regulation and cognitive function through its role as a precursor to tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), a necessary cofactor.

Quatrefolic® is a versatile ingredient, widely incorporated into prenatal vitamins, cardiovascular health formulas, mood and cognitive support supplements, and general multivitamin/mineral complexes. Its patented stability and generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status underscore its quality and reliability in supplement formulations. Scientific evidence, including a comprehensive review in "Nutrients" (2018), highlights the superior efficacy of 5-MTHF over folic acid, particularly in populations with MTHFR polymorphisms, in achieving optimal folate status. Clinical trials have consistently shown that 5-MTHF supplementation not only reduces homocysteine but also supports endothelial function. The specific glucosamine salt form of 5-MTHF has been studied for its enhanced absorption profile and reduced hygroscopicity, making it a preferred choice for manufacturers seeking to ensure product integrity and consumer benefit. Its direct bioavailability makes it an ideal ingredient for ensuring adequate folate levels, particularly during critical periods such as pregnancy for neural tube development, as active folate provides a readily usable form for fetal growth.