Balchem unveils the launch of Optifolin+™ – press release

Montvale, New Jersey (20 May 2024) – Balchem, a global manufacturer of specialty ingredients for human nutrition and health (HNH), has today announced the launch of Optifolin⁺.This bioactive, choline-enriched folate (L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate) ingredient is developed to open new avenues for brands in the US dietary supplement market. In line with Balchem’s ongoing commitment to making the world a healthier place, Optifolin⁺ combines the power of folate (L-5-MTHF) with the company’s leading brand of choline (VitaCholine^®) to empower cellular health in all stages of life and support consumers during pregnancy and child development through to adulthood. This new, cutting-edge choline-enriched folate salt offers unparalleled stability and solubility, enabling ease in product development for supplement manufacturers.

“We’re excited to introduce Optifolin⁺ to the nutraceutical market - and the timing couldn’t be better. The women’s health market is witnessing significant growth, driven by the desire for tailored solutions to address gender-specific needs through all life stages,¹” comments Frederic Boned, Sr. Vice President & GM, Balchem Human Nutrition and Health. “Folate supplementation is widely recognized as being crucial from the preconceptional period, through pregnancy and breastfeeding, since it plays a key role in supporting the health of moms and babies every step of the way. Adequate folate intake also helps maintain homocysteine levels, which contributes to preserving brain health and cognitive function as we age.² While there are existing folate solutions available on the market, Optifolin⁺ is the first choline-enriched salt in this space. This unique folate and choline combination has seven times the methyl groups than other folate brands, and is critical to building and preserving genetic material which help support prenatal, heart, and brain health.²”

A supercharged folate

Optifolin⁺ is a patented L-5-methylfolate, with 98% active methylating nutrients. This first-of-its-kind ingredient provides seven times the methyl groups found in other folate products, which promote balanced and effective methylation within the body. This simple yet vital biochemical process of methylation helps to regulate the activity of cardiovascular, neurological, and reproductive systems. As such, Optifolin⁺ is uniquely positioned to support DNA and RNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, protein metabolism², and neural tube development,^2,3 while supporting healthy fetal development³. What’s more, unlike folic acid, Optifolin⁺ is biologically active. Meaning, it is readily available for transport and use in the human body and tissues, with fewer metabolic roadblocks and no need for conversion, preventing the accumulation of unmetabolized folic acid, making Optifolin⁺ the right choice to meet Vitamin B9 recommended requirements. For manufacturers formulating with Optifolin⁺, the combination of choline with L-5-methylfolate provides enhanced stability, solubility for efficiency, shelf life, and better performance. This also allows for easier development of innovative and convenient solutions including tablets, capsules, sachets and stick packs.

“The folate supplement market is poised to evolve from one-size-fits-all to personalized solutions that meet individual needs and maximize health benefits. With Optifolin⁺, manufacturers can seize the moment and pave the way for next-generation tailored solutions that help maintain the integrity of human health and body repair. Optifolin⁺ will be initially launched in the US, where it has received the NDIN (New Dietary Ingredient Notification) and patent protection,” comments Dominik Mattern, VP Science, Business Development and Marketing Balchem Human Nutrition and Health. “Following our recent brand refresh, Optifolin⁺ joins our redefined Human Nutrition & Health portfolio, enriching Balchem’s wide range of vitamins and minerals. And we see a promising avenue ahead as we explore the synergies between Optifolin⁺ and our other flagship ingredients.”

By partnering with Balchem, manufacturers can leverage the company’s expertise and deliver an unparalleled experience to consumers, empowering them to achieve their wellness goals through supplementation at any age.

For more information about Balchem and its brand Optifolin⁺, visit: www.optifolinplus.com

For further details, contact:

Sara Houghton, Account Director, Barrett Dixon Bell

[email protected]

Michael VanderDrift, Senior Marketing Communications Manager, Balchem Human Nutrition & Health

[email protected]

Anne Bünting, Director Marketing Communications Human Nutrition & Health, Balchem Human Nutrition and Health

[email protected]

About Balchem Corporation

Balchem Corporation develops, manufactures, and markets specialty ingredients that improve and enhance the health and well-being of life on the planet, providing state-of-the-art solutions and the finest quality products for a range of industries worldwide. The company reports three business segments: Human Nutrition & Health; Animal Nutrition & Health; and Specialty Products. The Human Nutrition & Health segment delivers customized food and beverage ingredient systems, as well as key nutrients into a variety of applications across the food, supplement and pharmaceutical industries. The Animal Nutrition & Health segment manufactures and supplies products to numerous animal health markets. Through Specialty Products, Balchem provides specialty-packaged chemicals for use in healthcare and other industries, and also provides chelated minerals to the micronutrient agricultural market.

More information at: Optifolinplus.com

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/balchemhumannutritionandhealth/

References:

1 Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine, 1998.

2 Nutrition Business Journal 2023 Condition Specific Report.

3 Code of Federal Regulation, Part 101 – Food Labelling, Health claims: Folate and neural tube defects. Available at: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101#101.79