According to a new German study, supplementation of a folic acid derivative results in higher blood folate levels than straight folic acid.

While previous studies have shown that folic acid is more easily absorbed from fortified foods (85 per cent) and supplements (100 per cent) than the folate found naturally in foods (50 per cent), University of Bonn researchers went even further by suggesting that the folic acid derivative, [6S]-5-methyltetrahydrofolate ([6S-5-MTHF), is even more bioavailable when given as supplements than folic acid.

This new finding could be an alternative for the primary prevention of neural tube defects.

This conclusion is based on the results of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled intervention trial with 144 healthy women aged between 19 and 33. The women were divided into four groups and assigned to receive daily supplements containing 400 micrograms of folic acid, the equimolar amount of [6S]-5-MTHF (416 micrograms), 208 micrograms [6S]-5-MTHF, or placebo 24 weeks.

The supplements were manufactured by German-based PCI Services and provided as hard gelatin capsules. The [6S]-5-MTHF was in the form of the calcium salt (MetaFolin, Merck Eprova).

The study results are published in the July issue of the american journal of clinical nutrition (Vol. 84, pp. 156-161).

Read more at NutraIngredients.

Photo Credit: Natural Health Supply