Folic Acid and Vitamin B-12:In order to create energy, methylation, continuously and naturally occurs in the body. Vitamin B-12 and B-6 together with folic acid, are required for the biochemical process of methylation in the cells. Methylation is one of life’s most basic and vital fuctions. Lung, colon, breast, prostate and pancreatic cancer have been linked to folic acid deficiency. Alcohol interferes with folic acid absorption in the body, therefore alcoholism and folic acid deficiency go together. Homocysteine is an aminoacid, negative effects of homocysteine on cardiovascular system and the brain are well known. A new study indicates that homocysteine may contribute to aging itself by causing reduction in the length of telomeres. Telomere is a molecular clock that informs the cell of its limited life span. Telomeres are located at the end of chromosomes, and every time the cell divides, the telomeres become shorter. Research shows the mechanism by which a human cell keeps track of its division, by the length of telomeres. Methyl donors are required for methylation to convert homocysteine to methionine. The body’s methylation process depends on adequate levels of methyl donors to create methionine. Research shows that Methyl donors avoid heart disease and cancer. They slow the process of aging and are a natural antidepressant. In the absence of vitamin B complex and folic acid, methylation slows down or becomes incomplete, causing an elevation in homocysteine, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, cancer, neural tube defect, low birth weight, liver disorders, kidney disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, depression and other psychiatric disorders, complications of diabetes, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive decline, Parkinson’s disease and impotence. Research published in 2002 showed that people with the highest blood level of homocysteine were nearly twice as likely to develop dementia or Alzheimer’s disease as those with lowest levels. Other research published in 2002 found that people with the highest intake of dietary folic acid were 21% less likely to have a stroke and 40% less likely to develop colorectal cancer. The best way to suppress homocysteine is by taking folic acid and vitamin B12. When a methyl group is attached to harmful homocysteine it will convert to methionine. Methionine combines with ATP to create many of the proteins, needed for production of DNA and RNA in healthy cells. Elevation of homocysteine can occur in the blood due to conversion of methionine to homocysteine in the absence of folic acid and B12 and B6. People who eat foods that are high in methionine, such as red meat and chicken, may need more vitamin B complex and folic acid. It is estimated that 50,000 deaths from cardiovascular disease could be prevented each year in the United States if people consumed enough folic acid. SAMe, or S-adenosylmethionine, is made naturally in the body from methionine and ATP (adenosine triphosphate or cell energy fuel). SAMe facilitates nearly all methylation reactions in the cells. SAMe is essential for many vital neurological reactions including the metabolism of dopamine, a key regulator of mood and overall mental state. SAMe regulates the metabolism of estrogen and provides methyl groups to DNA. Deficiencies of SAMe are linked with depression. SAMe is used for treatment of depression and many other diseases associated with folic acid deficiency. SAMe is also a pain reliever and is used in treatment of osteoarthritis. In addition to alleviating arthritic pain and functional limitations, SAMe has been shown to rebuild joint cartilage. MTHFR (Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) is an important enzyme in folic acid metabolism. MTHFR mutation reduces the enzyme activity. Aging, cardiovascular diseases, depression and male fertility may be affected by MTHFR mutations. Research has shown folic acid and vitamin B12 supplementation improve MTHFR activity. Methylation has important effects on embryonic development, generating healthier and smarter children. It is particularly important for women who are trying to conceive and who are in the first trimester of pregnancy (first 3 months) to consume enough folic acid. New findings are unmasking the biochemistry and molecular genetics underlying neural-tube defects. Supplementation with folic acid has been found to prevent neural tube defect. Consult your Physician before and during pregnancy, about taking folic acid.

Serving size:  1 capsule

Directions: Take 1 to 2 capsules after meal