Ingredient manufacturer Balchem recently launched Optifolin⁺, a bioactive folate (L-5-MTHF) ingredient enriched with the company’s branded choline ingredient, VitaCholine, to empower cellular health at all stages of life, including pregnancy, childhood development, and adulthood. The new choline-enriched folate salt offers strong stability and solubility for easy product development for manufacturers.
 
“We’re excited to introduce Optifolin⁺ to the nutraceutical market, and the timing couldn’t be better. The women’s health market is witnessing significant growth, driven by the desire for tailored solutions to address gender-specific needs through all life stages,” said Frederic Boned, senior vice president and general manager at Balchem Human Nutrition and Health.
 
“Folate supplementation is widely recognized as being crucial from the pre-conceptional period, through pregnancy, and during breastfeeding, since it plays a key role in supporting the health of moms and babies every step of the way. Adequate folate intake also helps maintain homocysteine levels, which contributes to preserving brain health and cognitive function as we age. While there are existing folate solutions available on the market, Optifolin⁺ is the first choline-enriched salt in this space. This unique folate and choline combination has seven times the methyl groups than other folate brands, and is critical to building and preserving genetic material which help support prenatal, heart, and brain health.”
 
A First-of-its-Kind Ingredient
 
Optifolin⁺ contains a patented L-5-methylfolate, with 98% active methylating nutrients. The ingredient provides seven-times the methyl groups found in other folate products, which promote balanced and effective methylation within the body, Balchem reported. Methylation helps to regulate the activity of cardiovascular, neurological, and reproductive systems, by way of DNA/RNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, protein metabolism, and neural tube development.
 
Unlike folic acid, Optifolin⁺ is biologically active, meaning there are less metabolic roadblocks needed for conversion and transport into human tissues. Combining choline with L-5-methylfolate helps to improve the stability, shelf life, and performance of the ingredient, enabling its inclusion in tablets, capsules, sachets, and stick packs.
 
“The folate supplement market is poised to evolve from one-size-fits-all to personalized solutions that meet individual needs and maximize health benefits. With Optifolin⁺, manufacturers can seize the moment and pave the way for next-generation tailored solutions that help maintain the integrity of human health and body repair,” said Dominik Mattern, vice president of science, business development, and manufacturing. “Optifolin⁺ will initially be launched in the U.S., where it has received the NDIN (new dietary ingredient notification) and patent protection.
 
“Following our recent brand refresh, Optifolin⁺ joins our redefined human nutrition and health portfolio, enhancing Balchem’s wide range of vitamins and minerals. And we see a promising avenue ahead as we explore the synergies between Optifolin⁺ and our other flagship ingredients.”