One of the most important nutrients for pregnancy and hormonal balance is folate. Folate is necessary for the body to create DNA and other genetic material. It also helps produce healthy red blood cells and breaks down homocysteine which is an amino acid that can be harmful in large amounts.
A diet high in folate may be associated with increased progesterone levels and lower risk of sporadic anovulation. (1) Anovulation is when an egg does not release, or ovulate, from a woman’s ovaries. Infertility is frequently brought on by chronic anovulation and is responsible for about 30% of fertility problems in women. *
Progesterone is important as it aids in preparing the uterus for pregnancy. The ovaries begin to create the progesterone the uterus needs after ovulation takes place. Progesterone works by thickening your uterine lining and creating a good environment for a fertilized egg to implant. Taking folate may help support healthy progesterone levels in preparation for pregnancy.
Folate is necessary for cellular replication, therefore requirements for it rise during life phases with greater cell division, such as pregnancy. Taking folate daily before conceiving enables it to accumulate in your body to a level that offers your unborn child the greatest defense against neural tube disorders like spina bifida. *
In addition to its well-known function in preventing neural tube, and heart defects, research indicates that folate also has a significant impact on egg quality, maturation, and implantation, and live birth rates. (2) *
Several foods naturally contain folate including: beans, peas, almonds, and dark green leafy vegetables. Among fruits, oranges, lemons, bananas, melons, and strawberries are highest in folate. It is difficult to consume large amounts of folate from diet alone. Research has supported that supplementing with folate is better than relying on dietary folate alone for reproductive advantages. Folate from food contains a lower proportion of folate that is absorbed and available for metabolic reactions and storage when compared to folate (supplemental folate). (2) *
Baseline+ contains 400mcg of folate (as 5-methyltetrahydrofolate) which is the most bioavailable form. *
Along with other ingredients for hormone balance, Baseline+ can help support fertility and prepare the body for conception. *
Baseline+ can also assist with mood and energy levels. The effects of depression may be lessened by the folate content, especially on those who have the MTHFR gene mutation. The brain requires the naturally occurring B vitamin folate for the production of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine (3). Individuals with depression have been found to have lower folate levels than those without depression, (4) *
Whether you take Baseline+ for improving fertility, mood, or hormones in general, the added folate can help you create and maintain balance. *
*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.
