Bioavailable folic acid 5-MTHF: Prenatal nutrition is essential to ensure the health and development of both mother and baby throughout pregnancy. Among the various nutrients required during this critical period, folic acid is one of the most important. Known for its role in preventing birth defects and ensuring the healthy development of the foetus, folic acid is a key element in prenatal care. As the body undergoes rapid changes during pregnancy, maintaining adequate levels of essential vitamins, particularly folic acid, is vital for a healthy pregnancy and overall well-being.
Folic acid, a form of vitamin B9, plays a crucial role in the early development of the foetus, particularly in the formation of the neural tube, which will later become the baby’s brain and spinal cord. However, not all forms of folic acid are absorbed by the body in the same way. This is where bioavailable folic acid, known as 5-MTHF, becomes essential. Supplements such as +mum and +fertiwomen from Plusbaby contain this active form, providing Pregnancy Folic Acid, ensuring that the body can absorb and use it effectively, offering expectant mothers the most effective prenatal support.
What is 5-MTHF folic acid and why is it important?
Folic acid, the synthetic form of folate (vitamin B9), is essential for various bodily functions, particularly during pregnancy. It plays a key role in DNA synthesis, cell division and tissue growth, ensuring that cells reproduce and develop correctly. In early pregnancy, folic acid is particularly important as it contributes to the formation of the neural tube, the structure that will become the baby’s brain and spinal cord. Adequate folic acid intake helps prevent neural tube defects and promotes healthy development of the foetus.
Preventing neural tube defects (NTDs)
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are serious birth defects that occur when the neural tube, which forms the brain and spinal cord, does not close properly early in the foetus’ development. Two common types of NTD are spina bifida, where the spinal cord does not develop fully, and anencephaly, where parts of the brain and skull are missing. Both conditions can lead to lifelong disability or, in the case of anencephaly, death shortly after birth. These malformations have a profound impact on the quality of life of newborn babies and their families.
Research has shown that folic acid supplementation can significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects when taken at least one month before conception and during the first trimester. Studies have shown that women who take the recommended daily amount of folic acid can reduce the risk of NTDs by up to 70%. Public health campaigns to promote folic acid consumption have led to a substantial drop in NTD rates worldwide, underlining the importance of this nutrient for a healthy pregnancy.
For a healthy pregnancy: The benefits of folic acid
Reduce the risk of premature birth
Folic acid plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of premature birth by promoting correct cell division and development. Adequate levels can help prevent the complications that lead to premature birth.
Promoting foetal brain and heart development
Folic acid is essential for the development of the foetus’ brain and heart. It contributes to the formation of the neural tube, the prevention of malformations such as spina bifida and the proper formation of the baby’s heart.
Reduced risk of complications during pregnancy
Folic acid helps to reduce the likelihood of pregnancy complications, including pre-eclampsia. It promotes healthy blood circulation and cell function, which reduces inflammation and helps regulate blood pressure during pregnancy.
Support for the mother’s health during and after pregnancy
Folic acid contributes to maternal health during pregnancy by reducing the risk of anaemia and improving energy levels. After childbirth, folic acid contributes to tissue repair, promotes the production of red blood cells and stimulates recovery.
Why is bioavailable folic acid (5-MTHF) better?
5-MTHF, or 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, is the bioactive form of folic acid that the body can easily absorb and use, making it a superior choice to synthetic folic acid. However, some women carry genetic variations known as MTHFR mutations, which impair their ability to convert ordinary folic acid into its active form. This can lead to deficiencies at crucial stages such as pregnancy. Plusbaby’s +mum and +fertiwomen supplements are formulated with 5-MTHF, ensuring that all mothers can effectively absorb and benefit from folic acid, regardless of their genetic make-up.
How do +mum and +fertiwomen by Plusbaby ensure optimal folic acid intake?
Introducing +mum
+mum is a carefully formulated prenatal supplement designed specifically for pregnant and breastfeeding women. It contains 5-MTHF, the bioactive form of folic acid, as well as 16 other essential nutrients to support the health of both mother and foetus.
Supporting the health of mother and child
This supplement is essential for preventing neural tube defects (NTDs) and promoting healthy development of the baby. The bioavailable folic acid in +mum ensures that mothers and their growing children receive optimal nutrition, laying a solid foundation for overall good health.
Introducing +fertiwomen
+fertiwomen is designed for women who are trying to conceive a child, by supporting ovulation and hormonal balance. The addition of folic acid promotes the early development of the foetus, enabling mothers to start their journey to motherhood on the right foot.
Improved fertility and cycle regularity
As well as improving fertility, +fertiwomen helps maintain regular menstrual cycles and prevent neural tube defects. The formulation also includes fertility-enhancing ingredients such as coenzyme Q10 and arginine, helping to boost women’s reproductive health.
Vegan and ethical supplementation
Both our supplements, +mum and +fertiwomen, are vegan, giving all mothers access to safe and ethical supplementation. This commitment to vegan ingredients allows women to feel confident in their nutritional choices during the critical stages of motherhood.
When and how to supplement?
When to start taking folic acid
It is recommended to start taking folic acid at least three months before conception. This allows the body to have sufficient levels of this vital nutrient during the critical period of neural tube development at the start of pregnancy.
Continuation of treatment during pregnancy and breast-feeding
Women should continue to take our supplements throughout pregnancy and while breast-feeding. Continued supplementation promotes the baby’s development and is essential for the mother’s health, helping to reduce the risk of complications and nutrient deficiencies.
Recommended supplements for different stages of pregnancy
Women trying to conceive are advised to start with +fertiwomen during the fertility phase. Once pregnancy is confirmed, they should move on to +mum, which is specifically formulated to meet nutritional needs during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Dosage recommendations
Health experts generally recommend a daily dose of 400 to 600 mcg of folic acid for women planning to conceive or who are pregnant. This dosage ensures adequate levels to support maternal and foetal health throughout these crucial stages.
Bioavailable folic acid 5-MTHF: In conclusion, folic acid during pregnancy plays an essential role in the healthy development of the baby. Plusbaby +mum and +fertiwomen provide bioavailable folic acid in the form of 5-MTHF, as well as other vital nutrients that support women at different stages of their pregnancy, offering peace of mind and ensuring optimal health for both mother and child. Mums-to-be are encouraged to incorporate our supplements into their routine for optimal prenatal and preconception health.
Original price was: CHF 39.90.CHF 19.90Current price is: CHF 19.90.
