Why folic acid is not optimally absorbed by all women

Folic acid is indispensable during pregnancy, as it plays a decisive role in cell division and tissue formation. The most important reason for taking it is the prevention of neural tube defects (malformations of the brain and spinal cord, such as open back or spina bifida), which occur within the first four weeks of pregnancy—often before you even know you are pregnant.

The fact that dr.falcon® graVita® relies on a combination of classic folic acid and Quatrefolic® (a premium form of activated folate) has a brilliant biological reason. This is best explained by how it functions in the body.

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The problem with regular folic acid

Classic folic acid is a synthetic form of the vitamin. It is extremely stable and ideal for reliably raising folate levels in the blood. However, the body cannot use it directly. It must be converted into the active form 5-MTHF (L-methylfolate) in several steps.

The catch: Almost every second woman (approx. 40 to 50% of the European population) possesses a genetic peculiarity—a defect in the so-called MTHFR enzyme. In these women, the conversion of folic acid into its active form is very slow or incomplete. Despite sufficient intake of regular folic acid during pregnancy, this can lead to an unnoticed folate deficiency in the baby.

Why Quatrefolic® is the game changer

Quatrefolic® is the fourth generation of folate. It is directly active L-methylfolate, bound to a glucosamine salt.

  • Directly available: The body does not have to convert it first. It completely bypasses the faulty MTHFR enzyme and is immediately available to the baby.

  • No unbound folic acid: If too much regular folic acid is taken and the body cannot keep up with the conversion, unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA) circulates in the blood, which is a matter of critical medical debate. Quatrefolic® prevents this buildup.

  • Higher bioavailability: It is absorbed significantly better in the small intestine than older active forms of folate (such as calcium L-methylfolate).

Why the combination in dr.falcon® graVita® is ideal

  1. Security: The included Quatrefolic® floods the body with active folate immediately, regardless of any genetic preconditions.

  2. Long-term protection: Due to its slower processing, classic folic acid ensures a more stable, long-lasting folate level in the tissue throughout the day.

Important time factor: Since the baby’s neural tube closes by the 28th day of pregnancy, gynecologists recommend ideally starting this combination at least four weeks before a planned pregnancy to fill the body’s own stores in time.

Continue to the article “Folate vs Folic Acid – Quatrefolic” (English – Quatrefolic)