Optifolin+, a choline-enriched L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (L-5-MTHF) ingredient manufactured by Balchem, was found to be 2.6-times more bioavailable and absorbed 3.5-times faster than a standard folic acid supplement in healthy adults.

The findings, published in Food & Nutrition Research, compared the pharmacokinetic profiles of each supplement over a 24-hour window in a population of men and women between the ages of 29 and 40.

The researchers found that plasma concentrations of L-5-MTHF, the bioactive form of folate, were significantly higher in the Optifolin+ group compared to the folic acid group, across all participants. Otpifolin+ also increased folate status as 5-MTHF by over 240% more than folic acid, and significantly faster, reaching maximum plasma levels of L-5-MTHF in under an hour compared to 2.8 hours with folic acid. Only the folic acid group experienced an increase in levels of unmetabolized folic acid, which has no known biological function and may be detrimental.

Folate, also known as vitamin B9, supports fundamental cellular functions and the production of DNA, RNA, amino acids, neurotransmitters, and hormones, Balchem reported. It is well-established for its benefits in prenatal support, and also provides methyl groups for DNA methylation, and supports homocysteine metabolism along with other crucial reactions in the body tied to brain health and cognition, cardiovascular health, and epigenetic health.

Folic acid, a synthetic form of vitamin B9, must undergo several enzymatic conversion steps within the body to become the biologically active L-5-MTHF. Up to 31% of those in Europe and 40% of those in the U.S. carry variations in the MTHFR gene that can reduce the activity of the enzymes that convert folic acid to its biologically active form. For these individuals, folic acid may not support optimal folate status, and excessive intake can cause a buildup of unmetabolized folic acid in the bloodstream.

“Optifolin+ is the bioactive, choline-enriched L-5-MTHF form of folate, meaning it bypasses the metabolic bottlenecks and genetic hurdles that folic acid faces entirely,” said Eric Ciappio, PhD, RD, senior manager of nutrition science. “These new study findings demonstrate how leveraging the bioactive form translates to real bioavailability advantages for consumers. Optifolin+ also goes a step further, providing seven times the methyl groups found in standard folate forms for methylation support, as well as excellent solubility and stability for ease of formulation. We are thrilled to see these benefits in action as part of our ongoing commitment to opening up innovation opportunities with this crucial vitamin.”

“Another exciting element of this trial is the broad demographics of participants,” said Lauren Eisen, senior marketing and business development manager for minerals and nutrients at Balchem. “While many studies have previously focused on women, due to the prominence of folate in prenatal nutrition, this new study expanded the scope to include healthy men and women across a wide age range and saw significant benefits. Now, with clinically-backed superior bioavailability in this wider population, as well as a seven-times methyl group advantage, Optifolin+ offers a powerful tool for supplement brands to create next-generation solutions to support health at all stages of life.”