Neopholic ® Meta
What is Spina bifida?
Spina bifida is a serious birth defect of the spine, involving the spinal cord, vertebrae, muscles, and skin which form the vertebral column.
This defect occurs during the formation of the brain and spinal cord in the fourth week of pregnancy, about six weeks after the last menstrual period, often before a woman even knows she is pregnant. Depending on its severity, spina bifida may be visible at birth, but milder forms might not show obvious physical signs.
The most severe cases, where the spine is completely open, are not compatible with life. In milder cases, spina bifida can lead to permanent weakness in the legs, loss of sensation, and difficulty walking. These forms may cause lifelong disabilities.
Mildest cases often result in difficulties with bladder and bowel control. Spina bifida can occur in any pregnancy, even when there’s no family history of the condition.
Approximately 1 in 1,000 babies are born with spina bifida, and another 1 in 1,000 are affected by other neural tube defects. Taking 400 µg of folic acid one month before pregnancy and continuing through the first trimester can reduce the risk of spina bifida by up to 80%.
L-methylfolate is the active form of folic acid, which serves as a coenzyme in the synthesis of amino acids and nucleic acids. Folic acid is essential for the development and growth of cells and vital structures, particularly during the early stages of human embryonic development. This is most critical for the fetal neural tube, which later forms the brain and spinal cord.
Supplementing with folic acid raises the mother’s folate levels, reducing the risk of neural tube defects in the developing fetus. Low maternal folate levels are a significant risk factor for these defects.
The protective effect is best achieved with a daily intake of 400 μg of folic acid, starting at least one month before conception and continuing through the first three months of pregnancy.
Folic acid
Folic acid is also vital for the production and metabolism of erythrocytes (red blood cells), which transport oxygen and energy throughout the body.
In the body, folic acid becomes biologically active only after it is converted to L-methylfolate. Until this conversion occurs, it remains inactive. The conversion process is complex and multi-step, and in about 12% of pregnant women it cannot be completed due to a genetic enzyme defect.
- Comparison between the metabolism of Neopholic® Meta and the metabolism of regular folic acid:
For that reason in some women, regular folic acid does not provide the expected benefits for normal pregnancy development. These women need to take the active form of folic acid, namely L-methylfolate, to ensure the necessary effects.
