News
Peer Review Study on The Advantages of (6S)5-MTHF in pregnancy and fertility
26 August 2022
The importance of folate in pregnancy and fertility, with a specific focus on the advantage of (6S)5-MTHF supplementation versus folic acid, has been the subject of a newly released peer-review paper by Miraglia N and Dehay E in the journal Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine.
Maintaining correct folate levels in the body is of primary importance, particularly in specific stages of life, like pregnancy and during childbearing age. Low-folate status during the periconceptional period can cause infertility, while folate deficiency during pregnancy can increase the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) in embryos. It is a fact that the main populations at particular risk for folate deficiency are pregnant women, women of childbearing age, and people with MTHFR polymorphisms.
Today, supplementation of folic acid (FA) and (6S)5-MTHF is mandatory and prescribed by physicians in pregnant women and women of childbearing age for prophylaxis and treatment of folate deficiencies.
Why a Peer Review on Folate?
In recent years, an increasing interest in understanding and differentiating the different forms of folates, all grouped under the folate umbrella, has emerged both from the scientific community and consumers.
The scientists’ commitment is to clarify the different biological roles of the natural forms and the synthetic-derived folic acid form, substantiating even more recently emerged. On the other side, consumers are inclined to question what they take, why, and the nature of the supplement.
What are the Conclusions and Remarks?
This review emphasizes in depth what we know about active folates to date, making a scientific excursus focused on the following aspects:
- The Physiological Roles and Sources of Folate
- The Folate Metabolism
- Folate Deficiency and Related Health Issues
- Populations at Risk for Folate Deficiency and its Leading Causes
- Supplementation with Folic Acid
The conclusion highlights that (6S)5-MTHF supplementation in pregnancy is preferable to FA in specific conditions because it does not require metabolic activation and is directly available to the mother. Further, the fetus is not influenced by the possible MTHFR gene mutations. Supplementation of (6S)5-MTHF sidesteps the concerns about the risk of deleterious effects of UMFA due to FA supplementation and the high dosage required, especially in people with enzyme polymorphism.
What About “Alternative Therapies Journal” ?
Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine Journal is mainly focused on wellness, prevention, and healing, promoting the evaluation and appropriate use of all effective therapeutic approaches.
The Journal encourages the integration of evidence-based emerging therapies with conventional medical practices by licensed health care providers.
Silvia Pisoni, Global Market Manager of Gnosis by Lesaffre commented: “As responsible of Reproduction & Women’s Health Market Segment this peer-review represents an important scientific tool to educate people, consumers, andpartners. Today the integration of the science emerged on the active folate, like Quatrefolic®, and the clinical practice by doctors and practitioners is the key, since those of them may be reluctant to change/adapt treatment protocols even if supported by science. Integration is also the key to better protect women and newborn, and support fertility issues.”
To receive more information contact the marketing team at Gnosis by Lesaffre | Contact Us
