DSM, Merck Partner to Bring Metafolin Folate to Market

PARSIPPANY, N.J.—DSM partnered with Merck to bring its L-MTHF Metafolin folate, a biologically active form of naturally occurring folate, to the dietary supplement and food industries.  

Folates are water-soluble B vitamins that offer health benefits supported by EFSA-approved health claims, such as contributing to normal blood formation, cell division, maternal tissue growth during pregnancy, psychological functions, metabolism of the immune system, amino acid synthesis and reduced fatigue.

Metafolin (L-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid, calcium salt) is the pure, stable crystalline form of the naturally-occurring predominant form of folate manufactured by Merck and brought to market by DSM. A readily bioavailable folate vitamer, Metafolin is easily absorbed by the human body to ensure adequate uptake of the vital vitamin. Suitable for use in supplements, beverages and fortified foods, Metafolin can help to improve the efficacy of folate uptake in all consumers.

Natural folates are found in various food products, but they can be unstable and easily damaged during processing. Thus, folic acid has been used in supplements to fortify foods because it is more stable compared to natural folates; however, ingested folic acid must go through a series of enzymatic processes before becoming biologically active and useful for health.

Last month, DSM gave its green tea extract Teavigo to Taiyo Kagaku.