LOS ANGELES–Jarrow Formulas® Inc. was issued U.S. Patent Number 7,682,606 that describes methods for producing reduced, methylated, biologically active forms of folate. The patent, “Methods of Producing Edible Fungi Containing Activated Folates and Nutritional Supplements Containing Activated Folates” details how edible mushroom-producing fungi are cultivated to enhance the uptake of pteroylmonoglutamate (synthetic folate) into edible portions of the plants. The mushroom-producing fungi reduce and methylate the pteroylmonoglutamates into activated folates.
The cultivated mycelia or mushrooms of the mushroom-producing fungi are harvested and may be consumed directly. They may also be processed into various delivery systems, including capsules, tablets, softgels, powders, gel packets, liquids, nutritional bars and beverages, for use as functional foods or nutritional supplements.
“Clinical studies have shown folic acid is essential in cardiovascular health, for healthy child birth, normal cell proliferation and mental health,” explained Peilin Guo, MS, RD, executive vice president for Jarrow Formulas, Inc. “However, different forms of folates vary in bioavailability. Compared to folic acid, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) is more bioavailable. There is an increased need for this form of folate by those who cannot convert folic acid to 5-MTHF efficiently due to genetic mutation of MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofoloate reductase). Using selected health promoting mushrooms to convert folic acid to 5-MTHF not only provides biologically active folates, but also offers additional benefits from the phytonutrients in mushrooms, including immune support and energy tonification. Jarrow Formulas will continue to invest in scientific research and product development which will allow us to continue to provide superior dietary supplements for health and wellness.”
