The naturally smart folate plus^® formula is recommended by leading specialists in women’s health and reproductive medicine as an effective and easily absorbed folic acid supplement that’s ideal for pregnant or nursing women. It can also be beneficial for women who are currently undergoing fertility treatments, as part of preparation for pregnancy.

Folic acid is absolutely critical for fetal health. It plays an essential role in DNA and RNA synthesis, cell division, manufacture of neurotransmitters and red blood cells, and development of the nervous system. Studies show that a mother’s folic acid deficiency is linked to neural tube damage and birth defects such as spina bifida in her children.

Folic acid supplementation is important because most women do not get adequate amounts of folic acid from diet alone. Pregnant and nursing women are advised to get 800-1000 mcg of folic acid per day and all women of reproductive age (whether they’re on birth control or not) should consume at least 400 mcg of folic acid per day.

The naturally smart folate plus^® formula contains folic acid (vitamin B9), pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) plus intrinsic factor (a glycoprotein critical to the absorption of vitamin B12). Taking these B vitamins together with instrinsic factor ensures better absorption and beneficial synergistic effects.

Because folic acid supplements are water soluble, any excess intake is usually passed through in urine. This means there is a low risk of toxicity. However, it is important to note that folate supplements may not be appropriate for all women. Please consult with your physician before use if you are taking any of the following medications: anticonvulsants, such as Dilantin, Phenytoin and Primidone; barbiturates; diuretics like Triamterene; Metformin (used to treat type 2 diabetes and Polycystic Ovarian Disease); Sulfasalazine (used to control inflammation associated with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis); and Methotrexate (used for the treatment of cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and ectopic pregnancies).

Also note that some medical conditions can contribute to depleted folic acid levels. Folic acid supplementation may be especially important if you are pregnant or breast-feeding and have any of the following conditions: liver disease, a need for kidney dialysis, an alcohol abuse problem, certain types of anemias, or malabsorption disorders.

Beneficial Ingredients

• Folic Acid (vitamin B9)– animportant nutrient that is actively transported from mother to fetus across the placenta and from mother to infant across the mammary gland. Choline is critical during fetal development due to its influential effect on stem cell proliferation and apoptosis, thereby altering brain structure and function.
• Pyridoxine (vitamin B6)– an antioxidant. In addition to its general benefits, supplementation with CoQ10 reduces the risk of developing pre-eclampsia in women at risk for the condition. During fertility treatments, it may also contribute to an improved energetic state of the oocyte that would result in a more accurate chromosomal separation, increased embryo quality, and increased pregnancy rate.
• Cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12)– a nutrient that is required for proper red blood cell formation, neurological function and DNA synthesis. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to serious, irreversible nerve damage. Many of the conditions that contribute to folic acid deficiency can also deplete vitamin B12 levels, and it’s a good idea to take vitamin B12 together with folic acid because folate supplementation alone could mask the symptoms of a dangerous B12 deficiency.
• Intrinsic Factor – a trace element that aids in the absorption of vitamins.