Montvale, New Jersey (20 May 2024) – As a global manufacturer of specialty ingredients for human nutrition and health (HNH), we are pleased to announce the launch of Optifolin+®. Introducing Optifolin+® — this bioactive, choline-enriched folate (L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate) ingredient was developed to open new avenues for brands in the US dietary supplement market.
In line with our ongoing commitment to making the world a healthier place, Optifolin+® combines the power of folate (L-5-MTHF) with the company’s leading brand of choline (VitaCholine®) to empower cellular health in all stages of life and support consumers during pregnancy and child development through to adulthood. This new, cutting-edge choline-enriched folate salt offers unparalleled stability and solubility, enabling ease in product development for supplement 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.1 Folate supplementation is widely recognized as being crucial from the preconceptional period, through pregnancy and 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.2 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.2”
Frederic Boned, Sr. Vice President & GM, Balchem Human Nutrition and Health
Optifolin+® is a patented L-5-methylfolate, with 98% active methylating nutrients. This first-of-its-kind ingredient provides seven times the methyl groups found in other folate products, which promotes balanced and effective methylation within the body. This simple yet vital biochemical process of methylation helps to regulate the activity of the following systems:
As such, Optifolin+® is uniquely positioned to support DNA and RNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, protein metabolism2, and neural tube development,2,1 while supporting healthy fetal development3. What’s more, unlike folic acid, Optifolin+® is biologically active. This means that it is readily available for transport and use in the human body and tissues, with fewer metabolic roadblocks and no need for conversion, preventing the accumulation of unmetabolized folic acid, making Optifolin+® the right choice to meet Vitamin B9 recommended requirements.
For manufacturers formulating with Optifolin+®, the combination of choline with L-5-methylfolate provides:
This also allows for easier development of innovative and convenient solutions including:
“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 the launch of 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. Optifolin+® will be initially launched in the US, where it has received the NDIN (New Dietary Ingredient Notification) and patent protection. Following our recent brand refresh, Optifolin+® joins our redefined Human Nutrition & Health portfolio, enriching 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.”
Dominik Mattern, VP Science, Business Development and Marketing Balchem Human Nutrition and Health
By partnering with Balchem, manufacturers can leverage the company’s expertise and deliver an unparalleled experience to consumers, empowering them to achieve their wellness goals through supplementation at any age.
Click the link below for more information about Balchem and the launch of our newest brand, Optifolin+®:
[1] Nutrition Business Journal 2023 Condition Specific Report.
[2] Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine, 1998.
[3] Code of Federal Regulation, Part 101 – Food Labelling, Health claims: Folate and neural tube defects. Available at: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101#101.79
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