Homocysteine

Folic acid gets involved in the cell division process, helps strengthen the immune system, reduce tiredness and fatigue and maintain normal psychological function. Furthermore, it takes part in the amino acid synthesis, in homocysteine metabolism ??and in haematopoiesis, i.e. blood cell production and maturation. For women of childbearing age, in anticipation of pregnancy, supplementary folic acid intake is useful for increasing the status of maternal folate, which, if low, is a risk factor for developing neural tube defects in the foetus*; it also contributes to the growth of maternal tissues. *A beneficial effect can be obtained with the daily intake of 400 mcg of folic acid, to be started at least one month before and up to three months after conception.

Vitamin B12 contributes to red blood cell formation, promotes healthy functioning of the immune system, reduces tiredness and fatigue, improves energy metabolism, supports the nervous system activity and maintains normal psychological function. Furthermore, it has an important role in the cell division process and in homocysteine metabolism.

Vitamin B6 promotes proper functioning of the nervous system, normal psychological function, a healthy immune system function and the normal production of red blood cells. It contributes to normal energy metabolism, reduces tiredness and fatigue and supports normal hormonal activity. It also supports normal cysteine function and a healthy homocysteine, protein and glycogen metabolism.

Choline, combined with vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid, contribute to normal homocysteine ??metabolism. In addition, choline is useful for promoting lipid metabolism and maintaining normal liver function, whereas vitamins B6 and B12 improve a normally functioning nervous system and, associated with folic acid, support correct psychological and immune system function.

Magnesium helps reduce tiredness and fatigue, promoting energy metabolism. It supports the nervous system function and maintains normal psychological functions. It is essential for the normal cell division processes, supports electrolyte balance, protein synthesis, normal muscle function, bone and tooth health. Folic acid promotes the synthesis of amino acids and of all blood cells (hematopoiesis), and takes part in the cell division process. Vitamin C contributes to maintaining normal function of the immune system during and after an intense physical effort*, as well as the formation of collagen for the normal function of blood vessels, bones, cartilages, gums, skin and teeth. It promotes the protection of cells from oxidative stress, the regeneration of the reduced form of vitamin E and enhances iron absorption. Vitamin B12 supports the normal formation of red blood cells, whereas vitamin B6 contributes to the normal synthesis of cysteine, to the normal metabolism of proteins and glycogen and to hormonal activity regulation. *The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 200 mg of vitamin C in addition to the recommended daily intake.

Choline contributes to the maintenance of normal liver function and promotes the normal metabolism of homocysteine ??and lipids.