Vitamins

Vitamin B9 - Folic Acid

Vitamin B9 - Folic Acid supports:

Supports blood-brain barrier function
Contributes to neurotransmitter synthesis
Supports vascular health

Vitamin B9 - Folic Acid on Axolt’s brain health pyramid

Efficient Neurons
Plentiful and Functioning Mitochondria
Optimal Blood Flow
Balanced Neurochemicals & Synapses

Introduction to Vitamin B9

Vitamin B9, or folate, is a vital B-vitamin required for DNA synthesis, repair, and methylation (1). Found in leafy greens, legumes, and fortified grains, folate is particularly important during early development but remains essential throughout life for maintaining cognitive function and vascular health (2).

Role in Brain Health

Folate plays a key role in maintaining BBB integrity by regulating homocysteine levels, which, if elevated, can damage endothelial cells (3). It supports neurotransmitter synthesis and promotes neuronal health (4). Folate’s involvement in methylation pathways is also essential for processes related to gene expression and brain health (1).

Axolt Formulation Principles

Axolt’s formulation prioritizes essential nutrients, such as Vitamin B9 (folate), which is crucial for DNA synthesis, repair, and methylation (1-4). Folate plays a significant role in maintaining brain health by supporting neurotransmitter synthesis, regulating homocysteine levels to protect the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and ensuring proper gene expression (1-4).

By incorporating folate, Axolt aims to support cognitive function and overall vascular health.

Core Benefits and Claims

Healthy Blood-Brain Barrier: Supports endothelial cell health by contributing to normal homocysteine levels (3).
Neurochemicals: Plays a role in neurotransmitter synthesis, supporting mood and cognition (4).
Neurons: Facilitates DNA repair and cell maintenance (1).
Blood Flow: Supports vascular health and normal blood flow to the brain (5).
Glial Cells: Supports glial cell health and normal functioning (6).

Resources

1. Crider KS, Yang TP, Berry RJ, Bailey LB. Folate and DNA methylation: a review of molecular mechanisms and the evidence for folate's role. Adv Nutr. 2012 Jan;3(1):21-38. doi: 10.3945/an.111.000992. Epub 2012 Jan 5. PMID: 22332098; PMCID: PMC3262611.

2. Bailey LB, Stover PJ, McNulty H, Fenech MF, Gregory JF 3rd, Mills JL, Pfeiffer CM, Fazili Z, Zhang M, Ueland PM, Molloy AM, Caudill MA, Shane B, Berry RJ, Bailey RL, Hausman DB, Raghavan R, Raiten DJ. Biomarkers of Nutrition for Development-Folate Review. J Nutr. 2015 Jul;145(7):1636S-1680S. doi: 10.3945/jn.114.206599. Epub 2015 Jun 3. PMID: 26451605; PMCID: PMC4478945.

3. Kaye AD, Jeha GM, Pham AD, Fuller MC, Lerner ZI, Sibley GT, Cornett EM, Urits I, Viswanath O, Kevil CG. Folic Acid Supplementation in Patients with Elevated Homocysteine Levels. Adv Ther. 2020 Oct;37(10):4149-4164. doi: 10.1007/s12325-020-01474-z. Epub 2020 Aug 26. PMID: 32845472; PMCID: PMC7497502.

4. Quadros EV. Folate and Other B Vitamins in Brain Health and Disease. Nutrients. 2023 May 29;15(11):2525. doi: 10.3390/nu15112525. PMID: 37299487; PMCID: PMC10255911.

5. Tawakol A, Migrino RQ, Aziz KS, Waitkowska J, Holmvang G, Alpert NM, Muller JE, Fischman AJ, Gewirtz H. High-dose folic acid acutely improves coronary vasodilator function in patients with coronary artery disease. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2005 May 17;45(10):1580-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2005.02.038. Epub 2005 Apr 26. PMID: 15893170; PMCID: PMC1255966.

6. Zhao T, Wu D, Du J, Liu G, Ji G, Wang Z, Peng F, Man L, Zhou W, Hao A. Folic Acid Attenuates Glial Activation in Neonatal Mice and Improves Adult Mood Disorders Through Epigenetic Regulation. Front Pharmacol. 2022 Feb 7;13:818423. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2022.818423. PMID: 35197855; PMCID: PMC8859176.