The Importance of Balanced Nutrition for Infants and the Role of Folate in Maternal Health

The journey of proper nutrition begins in utero, where a mother’s health directly influences fetal development.
Adequate folate intake is crucial for pregnant women, as their folate needs are five to ten times higher than non-pregnant women. Folate is vital for babies’ development and an essential nutrient found in breast milk, contributing to reducing risks such as low birth weight and premature birth.
Folate concentrations in breast milk and maternal blood can decrease during breastfeeding. Another challenge arises from consumer confusion between folate and folic acid. While folic acid supplementation is commonly recommended during pregnancy, it can lead to an increase in unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA) levels, which may have adverse health effects.
UMFA is not an issue if lactating women consume the active form of folate, such as Quatrefolic®, the glucosamine salt of (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF). This form of folate is particularly effective for women with the MTHFR(methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) polymorphism, a genetic variation that can significantly hinder the bioavailability of active 5-MTHF.
Quatrefolic® has been shown to be safe and effective for these women, helping to maintain proper folate levels without increasing UMFA.
Studies have demonstrated that pregnant women supplemented with Quatrefolic® exhibit higher 5-MTHF levels than those taking standard folic acid. This difference is significant because 5-MTHF is the active form of folate that supports healthy fetal development.
Quatrefolic® is crucial in reducing the risk of neural tube defects in the developing baby. It also supports maternal health by helping to regulate homocysteine levels, thus reducing the risk of metabolism disturbances.
In conclusion, ensuring an adequate supply of folate through high-quality supplementation like Quatrefolic® is vital for maternal and infant health. A well-balanced nutritional regimen, starting with a focus on folate from pregnancy through breastfeeding, is essential for optimizing fetal and infant development.