With ignorance and the best intentions, people buy reputable supplements without fully understanding whether or not all the ingredients are the best choice for their personal needs. Folic acid stands as a prominent ingredient in most vitamins.
What is so important to know about this particular B vitamin, is that not only is folic acid a synthetic form of B9, but it may not be best absorbed by many people. Though considered safe, if you’re someone with the MTHFR gene mutation (up to 60% of the population), you’re not absorbing it and the resulting lack of proper B9 uptake has potentially serious health concerns.
Low levels of B9 are associated with elevated risk of heart disease and stroke from the body having high homocysteine levels. B9 is important because sufficient levels of folate are linked to reducing cancer and avoiding birth abnormalities and miscarriage.
The name Folate comes from the Latin word “folium” meaning leaf. Leafy vegetables are some of the best dietary sources of B9. But even for those who don’t have genetic variation that hinders the absorption of folic acid, unmetabolized folic acid can build up and be stored in the body for years.
This can lead to potential toxicity, decreased immunity, reduced brain function, and higher risk of cancer. Which should be of particular concern when there are so many processed foods fortified with folic acid.
High folic acid levels can also mask B12 deficiency which can increase your risk of dementia and impair nerve function.
You can support a healthier liver by using clean, high quality vitamins and reducing your animal protein intake.
VePro consists of Brown rice protein which is also a great source of folate, manganese, riboflavin, potassium, antioxidants and calcium. More and more research is being done on the mineral magnesium of which brown rice is a high source. This mineral is shown to be associated with lower risk of stroke, heart failure, and all-cause mortality.
Within Protea’s VePro vegan protein blend of brown rice and pea protein, it was also important to us to include an organic superfood blend of quality nutrients that both serve as antioxidants and anti-inflammatories.
Spirulina powder: shown to lower triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol and possibly raise HDL (good) cholesterol. May also enhance endurance and muscle strength.
Wheat grass powder: high in many vitamins, minerals and amino acids. The antioxidants prevents oxidative stress and cell damage. The chlorophyll within wheatgrass may also decrease inflammation.
Barley grass powder: full of antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins and minerals including; calcium, magnesium, and folic acid. Barley grass also has five times more iron than spinach.
Chlorella powder: 50-60% protein and a complete protein source. Great source of iron and B12 as well as vitamin C and omega-3s. Importantly, chlorella has been shown to help reduce heavy metal toxicity within the liver, brain, and kidneys.
Parsley leaf and spinach powder: high in antioxidants, vitamin K, flavonoids, and folate. It’s important that we focus on folate rather than the synthetic version (folic acid) because of its absorption being far superior, and necessary for healthy pregnancy.
Beet root powder: beyond being anti-inflammatory, beets may enhance athletic performance by improving oxygen uptake and reducing exhaustion.
Kale/kale powder: one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet with unique antioxidants like quercetin and kaempferol, and substances that bind bile acids and lower cholesterol. Kale also has more vitamin C than an orange.
Alfalfa: proven to support blood sugar control and improve metabolism.
Protea VePRO plant protein has 200mcg of folate which is half the minimum requirement for a healthy pregnancy and a suitable amount to supplement any dietary need.
The contents of this blog should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health problem-nor is it intended to replace the advice of a physician. Always consult your physician or qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
