Swanson

Folate Quatrefolic 800mcg 30 caps.

• Contains the 4th generation folate - Quatrefolic®
• Characterized by very good bioavailability
• Participates in the biosynthesis of DNA and RNA
• Takes part in the production of erythrocytes
• Counteracts the development of anemia
• Participates in amino acid conversion
• Reduces the risk of hyperhomocysteinemia
• Protects cardiovascular health
• Recommended for women before and during pregnancy
• Supports the proper development of the fetus
• Supports the health of the nervous system
• Counteracts depression and dementia

Swanson Folian Quatrefolic is a dietary supplement containing a carefully selected dose of easily available 4th generation folate – Quatrefolic®, in the form of the (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid glucosamine salt.

Quatrefolic® is the glucosamine salt of (6S) -5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), which is structurally similar to the reduced and active form of folic acid. This patented ingredient is the 4th generation folate with high stability, very good solubility in water, improved bioavailability with the thoroughly-tested safety of use.

Unlike folic acid, which is a synthetic version of folate, 5-MTHF occurs naturally in food. It is believed that folate deficiency is one of the most common vitamin deficiencies in the world. The reason for this is mainly food processing, inadequate selection of the products consumed and intestinal disorders. In a human body, 5-MTHF can be transformed into any other form of active folate.

Folate properties

Folates are involved in the formation of purines and pyrimidines, which in turn are needed for the synthesis of DNA and RNA nucleic acids. This is particularly important during fetal development during the first trimester of pregnancy. In addition, they are responsible for heme biosynthesis, formation and development of red and white blood cells, as well as amino acid conversion, including glycine to serine, methionine to homocysteine, phenylalanine from tyrosine and glutamine acid from histidine.

Hyperhomocysteinemia
Hyperhomocysteinemia is widely regarded as an independent risk factor for peripheral, coronary and cerebral vessel diseases. Molecular mechanisms of homocysteine-induced cellular dysfunction include an increased expression of inflammatory cytokines, altered bioavailability of nitric oxide, induction of oxidative stress, activation of apoptosis, and defective methylation. Reduction of elevated plasma homocysteine levels means lowering of occurrence of not only an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, neural tube defects or congenital defects, male and female fertility decrease but also Alzheimer's disease, cognitive impairment, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney failure, and tumors.

Supplementation of 5-MTHF is more beneficial than administration of folic acid. 5-MTHF is immediately available to react with homocysteine, thus reducing the chance of developing hyperhomocysteinemia. The folate coenzymes in combination with vitamin B12 enable the conversion of the homocysteine amino acid to methionine.

The conversion of the tetrahydrofolic acid to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate takes place via the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase enzyme. In people with a genetic disorder of this enzyme, the transformations of folates are impaired, predisposing them to an increased risk of the above-mentioned health problems. For both reasons, it is recommended to supplement the active form of folates in the form of the (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid glucosamine salt contained in Swanson Folian Quatrefolic.

Depression, cognitive impairment, dementia and Alzheimer's disease
Research suggests that there is a connection between mental vitality, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and the number of folates in the brain. In addition, there is a direct relationship between the amount of this component in plasma and depression. It has been noticed that the level of folate in the cerebrospinal fluid decreases with age and that there is a correlation of this phenomenon with a mental activity, especially with depression and dementia. Folate deficiency may contribute to a depressed mood, which is why folate supplementation may be useful in patients with depression.

Anemia
Folates are used to treat megaloblastic anemia, which is characterized by deformation and a larger size of red blood cells, as well as a slower rate of their production and a shorter lifespan. This type of anemia is most common among infants, adolescents, pregnant and breastfeeding women, alcoholics, the elderly and those who suffer from malnutrition of nutrients.

Pregnancy
The demand for folate increases during the increased growth of human cells, e.g. during pregnancy. The period before and right after the fertilization is particularly important when it comes to folate supplementation because it is when a woman often does not know that she is pregnant. It is recommended that the level of folic acid is high for at least a month before possible fertilization and remain at this level for the first three months of pregnancy. Studies have shown that a low folate intake increases the risk of poor fetal or placenta growth and the birth of a child with congenital defects, in particular of the neural tube, such as spina bifida or brain defect.

Infants and children
Foliates are especially important nutrient when the growth of human cells is very active, so their deficiency can slow down the overall development of the body. Infants, children and adolescents are in a critical growth phase, and an appropriate level of folate is recommended to prevent various diseases, such as anemia, and to allow their proper development.

The elderly
Aging of the body causes many physiological changes. Several studies have focused on understanding how these transformations may affect the nutritional requirements of adults and the elderly people, as well as how diet and nutrition may affect or modify these changing functions. Study results indicate that the occurrence of heart disease can be controlled with nutritional ingredients.

Recent studies show that hyperhomocysteinemia, just as in case of high levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood, is a factor that contributes to the risk of coronary disease. The level of homocysteine ​​in the blood is largely controlled by vitamin B12, vitamin B6, and folate. In addition, epidemiological studies and case studies suggest that low concentrations of folate in the blood are associated with an impairment of cognitive functions, dementia and Alzheimer's disease. It was hypothesized that there is a connection between folate deficiency and cognitive impairment, which most probably results from the lack of active folates potent to reduce homocysteine ​​levels and their impact on the vascular system.

In conclusion, Swanson Folian Quatrefolic is a dietary supplement, whose intake is recommended primarily to women before and during the early stages of pregnancy, as well as in the treatment of anemia caused by folate deficiency. The product is also recommended for people with genetic load or predisposed to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.