Folate is an essential B-vitamin that helps our bodies make DNA, support brain health, and keep our cells working properly. Most people know folic acid, the synthetic form found in supplements and fortified foods. But there’s a new player: Optifolin+®, a choline-enriched, bioactive form of folate called L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (L-5-MTHF), designed to be more effective.
A new clinical study published in Food & Nutrition Research confirmed the superior bioavailability of our unique choline-enriched, L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (L-5-MTHF) folate ingredient, Optifolin+®, compared to folic acid.1
What’s the Difference Between Folic Acid and Optifolin+®?
- Folic Acid is synthetic and needs to be converted by your body before it can be used. This process isn’t always efficient, and some people have genetic differences that make it even harder.
- Optifolin+® (L-5-MTHF) is “ready to use” where your body can absorb and use it directly, without extra steps. It’s also combined with choline, which delivers 7x more methyl groups than other L-5-MTHF products available to help support methylation, a process important for gene regulation and cell function.
The Study: Comparing Absorption
Researchers wanted to know: Does Optifolin+® get absorbed better than folic acid? They ran a clinical trial with 24 healthy adults (both men and women, ages 18–60). Each participant received equal intakes of folate, either from Optifolin+® or from folic acid, and their blood levels of folate were measured over 24 hours.
The pharmacokinetic study showed that Optifolin+® is 2.6 times more bioavailable and absorbed 3.5 times faster than standard folic acid.1 These findings highlight significant advantages of the ingredient for manufacturers developing innovative, bioavailable and effective solutions that are optimized to support cell health at every stage of life.
Key Findings
- Optifolin+® is absorbed much better: It’s over 2.6 times more bioavailable than folic acid. That means your body gets more usable folate, faster.
- Faster peak levels: Optifolin+® was absorbed 3.5 times faster than folic acid, reaching peak plasma levels in under an hour, compared to 2.8 hours for folic acid.
- Higher folate status: People taking Optifolin+® had folate levels more than 240% higher than those taking folic acid.
- Works for everyone: Both men and women absorbed Optifolin+® better than folic acid.
- No buildup of unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA): Unlike folic acid, Optifolin+® doesn’t lead to excess, unused folic acid in the blood, a potential health concern.
Why Does This Matter?
If you’re looking for a folate supplement that your body can use efficiently, Optifolin+® offers clear advantages. It’s designed to bypass genetic hurdles, deliver more methyl groups thanks to choline, and support methylation which is important for everything from brain health to energy production.
The Bottom Line
Optifolin+® is a next-generation folate supplement that:
- Delivers more usable folate, faster
- Raises folate status higher than traditional folic acid
- Works well for both men and women
- Avoids the potential downsides of unmetabolized folic acid
Read More:
Click the link below to read the full study or to view the press release.
