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The Benefits of Folate (200 mcg DFE) on Healthy Aging

As we age, maintaining cellular health, cognitive function, and overall well-being becomes increasingly important. Folate, an essential B vitamin, plays a crucial role in supporting these processes. In this article, we will explore what Folate is, how it supports healthy aging, the recommended dosage, and which nutrients should be taken alongside it for optimal results.

What is Folate?

Folate, also known as Vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin crucial for DNA synthesis, cell division, and proper brain function. It exists in two forms: naturally occurring Folate in foods and the synthetic form known as Folic Acid used in supplements. Folate is particularly important for red blood cell production and plays a key role in preventing homocysteine build-up, a factor linked to cardiovascular and cognitive decline. Naturally, it is found in foods like leafy greens, legumes, and fortified grains. However, many individuals, especially older adults, may not get enough through diet alone, making supplementation a beneficial option.

How Does Folate Support Healthy Aging?

Folate supports healthy aging through several key mechanisms that contribute to vitality and longevity. Here are the top five benefits of incorporating Folate into your daily routine:

  1. DNA Synthesis and Cell Repair: Folate is essential for DNA synthesis and the repair of damaged cells. As we age, cellular repair becomes increasingly important to combat age-related degeneration. Adequate Folate levels help ensure proper cell division, reducing the risk of cellular mutations that may contribute to conditions like cancer.
  2. Cognitive Function: Folate plays a vital role in brain health by aiding neurotransmitter production and reducing homocysteine levels, an amino acid associated with cognitive decline and dementia. Ensuring sufficient Folate intake can help protect against age-related memory loss and improve overall cognitive function.
  3. Heart Health: Elevated homocysteine levels are linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, a common concern as we age. Folate helps break down homocysteine in the body, thus supporting heart health and reducing the risk of heart-related conditions.
  4. Red Blood Cell Production: Folate is necessary for the production of healthy red blood cells. As we age, the body’s ability to produce these cells can decline, leading to conditions like anemia, which can cause fatigue and weaken the immune system. Adequate Folate intake helps maintain healthy red blood cell levels, supporting overall energy and immune function.
  5. Mood and Mental Health: Folate is involved in the synthesis of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that influences mood. Low levels of Folate have been associated with an increased risk of depression and mood disorders, especially in older adults. Ensuring adequate Folate intake can help stabilize mood and support emotional well-being.

How Much Folate Should I Take?

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for Folate varies depending on age, gender, and life stage. For most adults, a daily intake of 400 mcg DFE (Dietary Folate Equivalents) is recommended. For supplementation purposes, 200 mcg DFE is a common dosage, offering a convenient way to ensure you meet your daily requirements without exceeding safe limits. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting Folate supplementation, particularly if you have health conditions or are taking medications that could interact with higher Folate levels.

What Should Be Taken Alongside Folate?

To maximize the benefits of Folate and support healthy aging, it is advisable to combine it with other nutrients that complement its effects. Here are some key supplements to consider:

  • Vitamin B12: Folate and Vitamin B12 work synergistically to maintain healthy red blood cells and proper nerve function. Since a deficiency in one can mask a deficiency in the other, it is important to take both together to ensure balanced levels, especially for older adults.
  • Vitamin B6: Like Folate, Vitamin B6 helps regulate homocysteine levels. Together, they offer comprehensive support for heart health and cognitive function, making this combination ideal for promoting longevity and reducing the risk of age-related diseases.
  • Magnesium: This essential mineral supports cellular energy production, nerve function, and muscle health. Magnesium works in tandem with Folate to support overall cellular health, enhancing vitality and well-being as we age.
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Known for their anti-inflammatory properties, Omega-3 fatty acids support heart, brain, and joint health. Combining Omega-3s with Folate can provide a well-rounded approach to cognitive function, cardiovascular protection, and overall healthy aging.
  • Choline: Choline is essential for liver function, brain development, and nerve function. It works alongside Folate to support cognitive health and may help protect against age-related memory decline.

Conclusion

Folate (Vitamin B9) is an essential nutrient that offers numerous benefits for healthy aging. From supporting DNA synthesis and cell repair to promoting cognitive function, heart health, and red blood cell production, Folate plays a vital role in maintaining overall well-being as we age. When combined with complementary nutrients like Vitamin B12, Omega-3 fatty acids, and magnesium, Folate can contribute to a comprehensive approach to healthy aging. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplementation regimen to ensure it meets your individual health needs and goals.

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Active Ingredients by Product

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Amino Acids

Amino acids are molecules used by all living things to make proteins. They are key in various bodily functions, from protein synthesis to tissue repair to nutrient absorption.​

Cysteine HCI - A Healing Non-Essential Amino Acid

A non-essential amino acid that aids the healing process, Cysteine has been used in medicine for more than 30 years. The nutrient replenishes intracellular levels of the natural antioxidant glutathione, which is depleted by age and illness, restoring cells’ ability to fight damage from reactive oxygen species.​ Read more on Cysteine HCI here.

N-Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCL - An Anti-Ageing Amino Acid

N-Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCL is a form of carnitine that plays a role in energy metabolism, protecting against and repairing existing age-induced mitochondrial DNA damage, boosting mitochondrial function and improving energy turnover. Read more on N-Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCL here.

L-Citrulline - A Non-Essential Animo Acid

Citrulline is an energy-boosting amino acid that improves endurance, cognitive function and blood pressure. It improves the ammonia recycling process and nitric oxide production, which helps blood vessels relax and improves blood flow, all of which improves performance, energy and endurance. Read more on L-Citrulline here.

Lysine - An Essential Collagen-Producing Amino Acid

A natural carotenoid closely related to Vitamin A, Lutein is an antioxidant known to support ocular health. Research shows that Lutein can play a key role in protecting the retina and lens from free radicals, supporting overall eye health and vision. Read more on Lysine here.

L-Glutamine - An Abundant Nonessential Amino Acid

Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body, and is involved in more metabolic processes than any other amino acid. Glutamine supplementation has been shown to enhance immune system function and result in a lower level of infection. In conjunction with Cysteine, Glutamine supplementation has been shown to enhance glutathione stores. Read more on L-Glutamine here.

Arginine - A Multi-Tasking Amino Acid

Arginine is an amino acid, which plays an important role in the synthesis of proteins and cell division. Many studies have linked arginine to enhanced immunity and the improved release of the human growth hormone (HGH), which repairs and regenerates the body’s tissue during sleep. Read more on Arginine here.

Taurine - The ‘Wonder Molecule’

An amino acid found most commonly in meat, fish and dairy products, Taurine supports the immune system, the nervous system and healthy muscle function –improving exercise performance, reducing fatigue and increasing fat burning. Taurine also supports insulin health and is a potent brain nutrient. Read more on Taurine here.

L-Cysteine - A Healing Non-Essential Amino Acid

A non-essential amino acid that aids the healing process, Cysteine has been used in medicine for more than 30 years. The nutrient replenishes intracellular levels of the natural antioxidant glutathione, which is depleted by age and illness, restoring cells’ ability to fight damage from reactive oxygen species.​ Read more on L-Cysteine here.

Glycine - A Powerhouse Antioxidant

One of three essential amino acids that make up the body’s powerhouse antioxidant, Glutathione – Glycine has been shown to protect DNA and reduce inflammation in the body. Read more on Glycine here.

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Vitamins

Vitamins are essential micronutrients. They each work to keep the body function properly – from protecting against infections to helping your body get energy from food and helping your blood clot properly.

Vitamin A - The All-Rounder

Vitamin A is known to contribute to healthy skin, improved cognitive function, healthy vision and a strengthened immune system. The multifunctional vitamin also acts as an antioxidant, helping to reduce cellular, molecular and tissue damage caused by free radicals. Read more on Vitamin A here.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) - The Energy Yielding Nutrient

Vitamin B1, otherwise known as Thiamine, is an essential vitamin involved in maintaining an efficient, energy-yielding metabolism, a resilient nervous system, healthy cardiovascular system and balanced psychological function. Read more on Vitamin B1 here.

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) - The Brainpower Nutrient

Vitamin B5, otherwise known as Pantothenic Acid, is one of the essential nutrients needed to reduce tiredness and fatigue and improve mental performance. It contributes to the structure and function of brain cells and has an essential role in the creation of the neurotransmitters. Read more on Vitamin B5 here.

Vitamin B6 - The Hormone Support Vitamin

Vitamin B6 is an essential B vitamin known to support the healthy regulation of hormonal activity, support a strong immune system and keep tiredness and fatigue at bay. Vitamin B6 plays a role in protein metabolism and helps support a healthy function of the nervous system.​ Read more on Vitamin B6 here.

Biotin - The Skin and Hair Saviour

Biotin is a B vitamin and healthy skin, hair, and nails powerhouse. Biotin is also essential to the conversion of food into energy – reducing tiredness and fatigue, supporting balanced psychological function and healthy mucous membranes. Read more on Biotin here.

Folate (Vitamin B9 - The Body Supporter

Folate is essential to the production of red and white blood cells, and to the conversion of carbohydrates into energy. Adequate vitamin B9 intake is extremely important during periods of rapid growth such as pregnancy, infancy, and adolescence. It is also vital for psychological function and a healthy immune system.​ Read more on Folate here.

Vitamin C - The Essential Nutrient

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient and an excellent antioxidant in the body. It is vital to the production and maintenance of collagen, stimulation of adrenal function and stress management. Vitamin C has been shown to stimulate the immune system by boosting the activity of white blood cells.​ Read more on Vitamin C here.

Vitamin D3 - The Fat-Soluble Vitamin

Vitamin D3 is a fat-soluble vitamin essential to normal growth and development. Its role in the absorption of calcium is key to a healthy neuromuscular system, normal blood clotting, and heart function. Read more on Vitamin D3 here.

Vitamin E - The Antioxidant Vitamin

Vitamin E is primarily known as a powerful antioxidant with immune-boosting benefits, but it also protects against cognitive decline and memory loss by protecting cells from oxidative stress.​ Read more on Vitamin E here.

Coenzyme Q10 - A Powerful Antioxidant

A powerful, fat-soluble antioxidant and anti-inflammatory produced within the body, Coenzyme Q10 is key in sustaining health and energy, but levels of the nutrient decline with age. Studies have confirmed that, due to its fat-soluble nature, the bioavailability of Coenzyme Q10 is greatly increased by its suspension in oil.​ Read more on Coenzyme Q10 here.

Lutein - A Vision-Boosting Antioxidant

A natural carotenoid closely related to Vitamin A, Lutein is an antioxidant known to support ocular health. Research shows Lutein can play a key role in protecting the retina and lens from free radicals, supporting overall eye health and vision. Read more on Lutein here.

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Minerals

Minerals are elements that come from soil and water. They are necessary for 3 key reasons: building strong bones and teeth, controlling body fluids inside and outside cells, and turning the food you eat into energy.

Selenium - The Hormonal Balance Supporter

Selenium plays a critical role in reproduction, thyroid hormone metabolism, DNA synthesis and protection from infection. The mineral also plays a vital role in boosting antioxidant activity in the body and providing protection against free radical damage.​ Read more on Selenium here.

Zinc - The Immune System Supporter

Zinc improves immune resilience by regulating the function of white blood cells and helping to curtail the progression of viral cold and flu symptoms. Zinc is also an important nutrient for healthy growth and development, muscle repair, DNA synthesis, fertility, reproduction and sexual function.​ Read more on Zinc here.

Magnesium Malate - The Anti-Stress Mineral

Magnesium, in the highly bioavailable form of Magnesium Malate, is a natural tranquilizer known to relax skeletal muscles and smooth muscles of blood vessels and the gastrointestinal tract. Thanks to this function, Magnesium may also be helpful for nervousness, anxiety, low energy and muscle cramps. Read more on Magnesium Malate here.

Iodine - The Thyroid-Supporting Nutrient

Iodine’s most important role is to ensure healthy thyroid function as it helps to regulate the production of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). It also supports cognitive function, a strong nervous system and a healthy, energy-yielding metabolism. Read more on Iodine here.

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Botanical Extracts

Botanical extracts are concentrated substances derived from plants, containing beneficial compounds that support various aspects of health.​

Ashwagandha - A Mental Performance-Supporting Herb

A popular Ayurvedic herb and adaptogen, Ashwagandha contributes to increased mental performance and focus. An ally during menopause, it helps address menopause-related depression and mood swings. When taken regularly, Ashwagandha can also help reduce anxiety, by boosting the production of GABA – an important natural tranquilizer in the brain. Read more on Ashwagandha here.

Turmeric (root) Extract - An Anti-Inflammatory Spice

A spice used in India for thousands of years in cooking and herbal medicine, Turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial effects. It also supports the liver and detoxification pathways. Read more on Turmeric (root) Extract here.

Sage - A Nutrient-Rich Herb

A common herb, Sage is known to improve brain function, support digestive health and provide metabolic support. During menopause, Sage is known to help alleviate associated menopausal symptoms. Read more on Sage here.

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Omega 3’s

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that play a crucial role in brain function, heart health, and reducing inflammation.​

Flaxseed Oil - A Rich Source of Essential Fatty Acids

Flaxseed oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce inflammation in all systems, increase the radiance and elasticity of the skin and boost the immune system. Read more on Flaxseed Oil here.

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