Along with vitamins B-2, B-6 and B-12, folic acid is required for the methylation of amino acids, for converting toxic levels of homocysteine into methionine and for synthesis of new proteins.
Without folate, red blood cells are unable to carry oxygen effectively, resulting in problems such as weakness, fatigue, headache, heart palpitations and shortness of breath. Deficiency can also cause ulcers in the mouth and gastrointestinal tract.
Adequate folate intake is especially important for women before and during pregnancy because deficiency is linked to preterm birth, low birth weight, fetal growth retardation, and spina bifida.
Even though the liver is capable of storing excess folate for up to 9 months, this backup system is dependent upon high regular dietary intake of unprocessed foods. Plus, the majority of dietary folic acid is obtained almost exclusively from plants--which still needs to be converted into methyl-tetrahydrofolate to be useful to the body.
We also have to take into account biochemical individuality variations among the population. For example, some individuals aren’t able to efficiently convert dietary folate into the active form, tetrahydrofolate. It’s only with the help of vitamins B-3, B-12 and C that folate can be activated to complete the full roster of its vital responsibilities in the body.
Even though many nutritional “shortcuts” are considered unhealthy, supplementing biologically active folate isn’t one of them. If you can save your body the work of manufacturing the biologically useful form of folic acid, safely and effectively, why wouldn’t you just take L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (L-5-MTHF)?
Taking Pure Lab’s Slow-Release BioActive Folic Acid is like using a fully charged battery, instead of a nearly- drained one.
Each capsule of Pure Lab’s Slow-Release BioActive Folic Acid contains 1 milligram of activated folate as L-5-MTHF in a sustained release formulation. This way, blood levels can be maintained longer, for up to 5 hours– about twice as long as standard formulations.
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Lee, B-J et al. Folic Acid and Vitamin B12 Are More Effective Than Vitamin B6 in Lowering Fasting Plasma Homocysteine Concentration in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease. Eur J Clin Nutr Mar 2004:58 (3), 481-7.
National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements. Folate: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.
O'Connor DMA, Scarlett S, De Looze C, et al. Low folate predicts accelerated cognitive decline: 8-year follow-up of 3140 older adults in Ireland. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2022;76(7):950-957.
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Sanvisens A, Zuluaga P, Pineda M, et al. Folate deficiency in patients seeking treatment of alcohol use disorder. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2017;180:417-422.
Somekawa Y, Kobayashi K, Tomura S, Aso T, Hamaguchi H. Effects of hormone replacement therapy and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphism on plasma folate and homocysteine levels in postmenopausal Japanese women. Fertil Steril. 2002;77(3):481-486.
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Zhao W et al. Association Between Folate Status and Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia. Eur J Clin Nutr Jul 2016: 70 (7), 837-42.
How long do the effects of Pure Lab’s Slow Release BioActive Folic Acid last?
Answer: On average, an individual can expect to maintain serum (blood) vitamin folate levels from 1 dose of our Slow Release BioActive Folic Acid over a period of 4 to 5 hours. However, individual experiences vary based on diet and metabolic differences.
Which ingredient in Pure Lab’s Slow Release BioActive Folic Acid is responsible for the slow-release effect and how does it work?
Answer: The ingredient in Pure Lab’s Slow Release BioActive Folic Acid responsible for the slow-release effect is hypromellose SR. This is a fiber derived from the pulp of the poplar or birch tree. The hypromellose SR is mixed with the ingredients within the capsule so that it forms a gel upon contact with digestive fluids. This allows for a slower release of the folic acid, and therefore, a more gradual entry into the bloodstream for sustained benefits.
Is the folic acid in Pure Lab’s Slow Release BioActive Folic Acid methylated?
Answer: Yes, the folic acid in Pure Lab’s Slow Release BioActive Folic Acid is methylated, making it biologically active and ready to perform metabolic work upon absorption into the bloodstream.
How is the folic acid in Pure Lab’s Slow Release BioActive Folic Acid different from the folic acid in other supplements?
Answer: The folic acid found in most supplements requires conversion into a biologically active form before we can fully benefit from it. Pure Lab’s Slow Release BioActive Folic Acid contains calcium 5-methyl-tetra-hydrofolate - - the biologically active form of folic acid that’s ready to perform metabolic work. This is akin to using a fully charged battery, instead of a drained one.
Does Pure Lab’s Slow Release BioActive Folic Acid need to be taken with food?
Answer: To reduce chance of stomach discomfort, Pure Lab’s Slow Release BioActive Folic Acid is best taken with food—preferably no later than the 2nd meal of the day.
Does Pure Lab’s Slow Release BioActive Folic Acid have any side effects?
Answer: No, side effects are uncommon with Pure Lab’s Slow Release BioActive Folic Acid.
What use is Pure Lab’s Slow Release BioActive Folic Acid approved for?
Answer: In Canada, the registered health claim for Pure Lab’s Slow Release BioActive Folic Acid is: “Helps to form red blood cells. Helps to reduce the risk of neural tube defects when taken daily at least three months prior to becoming pregnant and during early pregnancy.”
Is Pure Lab’s Slow Release BioActive Folic Acid vegan?
Answer: Pure Lab’s Slow Release BioActive Folic Acid contains no animal-derived ingredients. It is vegan.
Is Pure Lab Vitamins a Canadian company?
Answer: Yes, Pure Lab Vitamins is proudly Canadian owned and operated. Our products are made in Canada.
Is Pure Lab’s Slow Release BioActive Folic Acid made in a GMP-certified facility?
Answer: Yes, Pure Lab’s Slow Release BioActive Folic Acid is made in a GMP-certified facility.
Is Pure Lab’s Slow Release BioActive Folic Acid third-party tested?
Answer: Yes, Pure Lab’s Slow Release BioActive Folic Acid is third-party tested. Our raw materials and finished goods are always tested by ISO-certified labs.