Balchem’s newly launched choline-enriched folate yields sevenfold methylation

21 May 2024 --- Balchem, a US-based manufacturer of specialty ingredients for human nutrition and health, has developed bioactive choline-enriched folate Optifolin+, a patented L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate with 98% active methylating nutrients. The ingredient delivers seven times the methyl groups of other folate for optimal methylation in the body.

Methylation is a biochemical process that regulates cardiovascular, neurological and reproductive system activity. Optifolin+ supports DNA and RNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, protein metabolism, neural tube development and healthy fetal development.

The ingredient is being launched first in the US, where it received a New Dietary Ingredient Notification (NDIN) and patent protection. The company foresees that the ingredient will open new avenues for brands in the US dietary supplement market.

“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 helps support prenatal, heart and brain health,” says Frederic Boned, senior vice president and general manager at Balchem Human Nutrition and Health. 

Seamless product development
Balchem’s new folate salt has been enriched with its own VitaCholine, which facilitates cellular health from pregnancy through child development and adulthood. Combining choline with L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate offers good stability, solubility, shelf life optimization and enhanced performance for seamless product development by supplement manufacturers.

“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,” says Dominik Mattern, VP of science, business development and marketing at Balchem Human Nutrition and Health. 

“Following our recent brand refresh, Optifolin+ joins our redefined Human Nutrition & Health portfolio, enriching Balchem’s wide range of vitamins and minerals. We see a promising avenue ahead as we explore the synergies between Optifolin+ and our other flagship ingredients.”The women's health market is driven by the need for gender-specific solutions.

Earlier this year, Balchem and the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, US, established the Virginia Tech Mineral Metabolism Research Center to further nutrition research and review contemporary scientific studies on the effects of minerals on human health.

Nutrition Insight caught up with Dr. Eric Ciappio, strategic development manager of nutrition science at Balchem, about the nutrition and health manufacturer’s expectations for the collaboration.

Women’s health trend
Optifolin+ is biologically active, which regular folic acid is not. This quality removes most of the metabolic blockages faced by conventional forms and allows it to be absorbed into the body. An accumulation of unmetabolized folic acid is prevented, and vitamin B9 regulation can be achieved.

“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. Folate supplementation is widely recognized as being crucial from the preconception period through pregnancy and breastfeeding since it plays a key role in supporting the health of moms and babies every step of the way,” says Boned.

“Adequate folate intake also helps maintain homocysteine levels, which contributes to preserving brain health and cognitive function as we age.”

Optifolin+ can easily formulated into convenient solutions such as tablets, capsules, sachets and stick packs.

In 2023, Balchem expanded its VitaCholine production capacity in the US. The upgraded facilities are expected to increase output by 50%, allowing the company to meet the rising demand for cognitive health and performance supplements.

By Inga de Jong