News
Folate Inadequacy Impacts Over Half the Global Population: New Findings
18 December 2024
A recent commentary published in "The Lancet Global Health" highlights the global prevalence of folate deficiency, affecting over half of the world's population, more than 4 billion people.
This deficiency is particularly concerning among women and their children, many of whom do not have sufficient folate levels.
Folate, or vitamin B9, is crucial for women of reproductive age due to its essential role in DNA synthesis, cell division, and the proper neurological development of the fetus. It is particularly important for the 140 million women who give birth each year and their newborns. Approximately 8% of pregnancies experience complications.
Women with impaired maternal and fetal homocysteine metabolism, as well as low levels of active folate in the bloodstream, are at a higher risk of significant complications, including fetal neural tube defects, pre-eclampsia, placental abruption, and recurrent pregnancy loss.
While folic acid is currently recommended for women trying to conceive, many women carry an MTHFR polymorphism that limits the conversion of folic acid into its active form, 5-MTHF, which can reduce folate bioavailability.
In contrast, active folate such as Quatrefolic® does not require conversion, making it a more effective option, particularly for those with this genetic mutation.
Supporting Folate Findings
Recent research presented at the 2024 FASEB (Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology) B-Vitamins and One-Carbon Metabolism conference revealed the risks associated with folate deficiency in overweight and obese women. This deficiency is linked to metabolic and cognitive challenges for both mothers and their children.
The study emphasized the importance of adequate folate intake and glycemic control in reducing the likelihood of birth defects and other adverse outcomes. Additional research indicated that low levels of folate or vitamin B12 early in pregnancy are associated with decreased cognitive performance in children, with folate being the more significant predictor.
These findings underline the necessity for personalized nutritional strategies to promote the health of both mothers and children.
Quatrefolic® is a biologically active form of folate that is high quality and safe, supporting both mothers and their babies.
Read the recent commentary published in The Lancet Global Health highlighting the global prevalence of folate deficiency, affecting over half of the world’s population, more than 4 billion people.
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