At Needed, we are committed to bringing you products which align with the latest scientific research and clinical insights. Our mission is to provide the most comprehensive, effective, and supportive nutrition for mothers and mothers-to-be – a mission which drives any thoughtful, intentional changes to our formulas. That’s why we’re excited to introduce Optifolin+®, a superior form of methylfolate (L-5-MTHF), now featured in our Prenatal Multi Capsules.
Why the Change?
We made this update with careful consideration to ensure we continue offering the best possible nutrient support. Optifolin+® is a bioavailable, fully bioactive form of methylfolate (L-5-MTHF i.e., the form readily used by the body) enriched with choline, providing superior benefits for healthy methylation. Methylation is a natural biochemical process critical to reproductive, cardiovascular, cognitive health – and more!
Unlike other forms of methylfolate that utilize salts (such as calcium or glucosamine salts) to support stability, Optifolin+® is paired with choline, unlocking a unique nutritional synergy. This combination is key, as folate and choline work together to support essential metabolic processes that help maintain healthy methylation. Not to mention, biologically active folate (L-5-MTHF salts) and choline are well-researched sources of essential nutrients, which cooperatively support key processes like baby’s brain development.
What is Methylation?
Methylation is a natural biochemical process in which small molecules called methyl groups (one carbon atom and three hydrogen atoms [CH3]) are added to DNA, proteins, or other molecules. The addition of methyl groups (and their removal, or demethylation) can impact how these molecules act and function in the body. For example, the methylation of DNA can turn genes “on” or “off” to ensure that genes function properly to produce proteins. Methylation occurs continuously throughout the body and helps regulate the activity of our cardiovascular, neurological, detoxification, and reproductive systems.
That said, methylation is a key epigenetic mechanism. Epigenetics most simply refers to the manner in which our behaviors and environments influence the way our genes work – without altering our underlying DNA sequence. So, while DNA provides the instruction manual for building proteins in particular cells, epigenetic processes, like DNA methylation, tell the cell which pages of the manual to read and when! While our genetic code is fixed, epigenetic changes can be influenced by factors (positive and negative!) like the environment, diet, and exercise throughout life. Importantly, a healthy diet contributes to optimal methylation in the body. Dietary intake of nutrients which donate methyl groups (such as methylfolate and choline) help support these healthy methylation processes!
Folate and Choline – a key nutritional pairing!
First, folate and choline are both essential nutrients – meaning our body cannot synthesize them in sufficient amounts and we must get both from our diet or supplements. L-5-MTHF is the active form of folate which can be directly used by the body without the need for activation or metabolic conversion, unlike folic acid. It plays an important role in key processes like DNA synthesis and healthy methylation, by donating a methyl group. Choline donates multiple methyl groups, working cooperatively with folate in the body – as methylation is a common mechanism by which these key nutrients may support processes like fetal development. Pairing these two nutrients allows folate to act as a ‘vehicle’ transporting methyl groups donated by choline – driving (pun intended!) benefits for healthy methylation and overall health.
What You Need to Know
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The dosage of methylfolate remains unchanged at 918 mcg DFE (551 mcg folate), ensuring a safe and effective level of active folate.
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Optifolin+® pairs the essential nutrients, folate and choline, to support balanced and healthy methylation in the body.
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Methylation occurs one billion times per second around the body and plays a role in supporting neurological, cardiovascular, and reproductive system health.
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Folate and choline synergy: Folate donates a single methyl group and also helps transport multiple methyl groups donated by choline. Together they support natural methylation, a process which may contribute to their shared benefits, including for fetal development.
What’s the Bottom Line?
Optifolin+® is the ONLY active folate paired with choline (two essential nutrients, rich in methyl groups!), making this advanced form of methylfolate a superior choice for supporting gene, protein, and cell function and overall health during pregnancy and beyond. And the best part? This upgrade comes with no change in price.
At Needed, we don’t just follow the science—we lead with it. By continuously evaluating the research and thoughtfully improving our formulations in kind, we ensure that mothers receive the highest quality nutrients for their journey to motherhood and beyond.
