A Guide to Metafolin® in HiPP Organic Baby Formula

Simply put, Metafolin® is a patented form of folic acid produced using a unique manufacturing process. Metafolin® is derived from natural sources, is easily absorbed, and has increased bioavailability, providing immense benefits for infants effectively and efficiently.

In a much broader scope, Metafolin® is the calcium salt of the active form of folate known as L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate. Folate is required for the production of DNA and RNA in the body.

A key component for cell growth and division, folate is crucial for pregnant mothers and babies. 

In addition, this compound donates one of its carbons for synthesizing phospholipids, neurotransmitters, and myelin in the body.

Folic Acid is crucial for each part of development. This required ingredient supports the formation of red blood cells, the proper functioning of the nervous system, and the growth of cells and tissues.

Folic acid is vital for developing the baby's brain, spinal cord, and skull during pregnancy; folic acid is especially crucial for preventing congenital disabilities, such as neural tube defects.

For this reason, pregnant women are often advised to take a folic acid supplement. However, babies still need folic acid to support their physical growth and neurodevelopment even after birth.

Starting from the basic foundation, we can easily compare and see fundamental differences. Folic Acid is a synthetic form of Folate, and Metafolin is a natural calcium salt of folate, also found in breast milk.

Folic acid requires it to be converted to L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate for it to be used by the body. This conversion occurs in the liver; however, not all of it may be absorbed, and some may enter the circulation as it is.

Unfortunately, infants who take folic acid-fortified baby formulas often have an elevated level of unmetabolized folic acid in their plasma, which is not always helpful to the growing baby.

Furthermore, suppose they are carriers of genetic mutations in the methylfolate pathway (i.e., MTHFR–which more than 40 percent of people are on average). In that case, folic acid can accrue in their bodies and essentially become toxic to them. A methylated vs. synthetic folic acid is needed to ensure this doesn’t happen.

Metafolin®, fortified baby formula, quickly enters the folate processing cycle and is immediately available and beneficial for your baby. Bioavailability means that it does not put additional stress on the developing liver and does not have to do extra work to metabolize it.

A family’s primary concern is their infant’s safety and well-being. The EU takes this very seriously and has extensively researched Metafolin to use in baby formulas. Due to the superior safety levels, effectiveness, and bioavailability of Metafolin® in numerous studies, the European Food Safety Authority has also approved Metafolin®.

Researchers conducted a controlled study to examine the safety of infant formula enriched with Metafolin®.

The findings were significant for formula-fed babies receiving this bioactive folate. This study had proven folate levels like those found in breastfed infants and infants receiving Metafolin® fortified formula. 

HiPP infant formulas contain folate, an important B vitamin essential for cell division and growth. During the first years, your little ones’ physical development and cognitive growth rely on nutrients to synthesize purine and pyrimidine that provide structure for DNA & RNA molecules. 

Folate is crucial for cell division and tissue growth; and is indispensable for brain development, growth, and blood formation, especially in the foundation ages. 

HiPP International is changing the standards of baby nutrition by including Metafolin® instead of folic acid in their recipe. Along with Metafolin®, HiPP European Baby Formulas blends whey-to-casein ratio to mimic breast milk as closely as possible.

Organic nutrition for every stage and digestive worry, including the most sensitive baby formulas, HiPP Anti-Reflux containing 100% whey, and HiPP HA, which uses extensively hydrolyzed protein.

Metafolin® is another way European baby formulas set infant nutrition standards—unique innovative, high-quality, organic ingredients.

The Milky Box only carries the best-powdered nutrition, establishing a firm foundation to support your baby's health and well-being today and in the future.