Folates (both synthetic folic acid and its forms naturally present in food), also known as vitamin B9, are fundamental nutrients for our body as their deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia, increased risk of congenital anomalies, and cognitive dysfunctions of the elderly.
Folates perform important tasks such as:
- contribute to the growth of maternal tissues during pregnancy,
- promote normal blood circulation,
- promote the functioning of the immune system,
- contribute to homocysteine metabolism.
Furthermore, well-established research has shown how, in women, a deficiency of this nutrient can lead to the risk of neural tube defects, leading to very serious pathologies of the fetus such as anencephaly and spina bifida.
As suggested by the NFI (Nutrition Foundation of Italy), its intake exclusively through food may not be sufficient to minimize the risk of neural tube malformations. For this, an adequate supplement of folic acid is necessary.
Another aspect that supports the introduction of folic acid in the form of a food supplement lies in its more efficient absorption when compared to folate taken with food: for this reason, at the same dose, the protective effect would be greater.
The importance of the integration of folic acid in the diet of pregnant women is leading several governments to regulate its intake as mandatory and the EFSA (European Food and Safety Authority) has expressed its favor on the safety and efficacy of these active ingredients in the prevention of fetal pathologies.
IPS – International Products and Services, through its Suractives® division specialized in the processing of raw materials for the production of food supplements, is able to offer Folic Acid using its DUAL technology, an evolution of the patented MATRIS® technology, which allows obtaining an active ingredient for food supplement based on a Vitamin C core, covered with Iron (II) and Folic Acid.
MATRIS® DUAL is a production methodology that provides numerous advantages over conventional technologies such as the controlled release of the active ingredients or the masking of unpleasant tastes and odors, guaranteeing a high-assay product capable of spreading evenly on the wall of the gastrointestinal tract.
This technology allows obtaining a bulk product of granular particles which can be used for making finished administration forms in capsules, tablets, single-dose sachets, suspensions, orodispersible, and vials with measuring caps.
