Food
The components L-methylfolate and choline are important building blocks of cell metabolism and cell structure
First attempts
In initial experiments, salt formation was sought, which resulted in resinous and sticky residues. In addition, it seemed almost impossible to isolate a salt from an aqueous solution. But surprisingly white precipitates were observed on an older sample. The white particles turned out to be a mixture of L-methylfolate and choline. It was possible to produce this white powder in further quantities in a cumbersome way. The chemical analysis results confirmed the formation of an L-methylfolate choline salt.
The exceptional tests
Organic solvents are not recommended for the manufacturing of folate salts. However, the resinous residues obtained showed surprisingly good solubility in various organic solvents. Was there no salt at all?
We were able to precipitate the salt from an organic solution and, after further improvements, crystallization succeded. An amazingly stable salt of one L-methylfolate and two choline components had formed. The L-methylfolate di choline salt, nicknamed FolChol, could be isolated and analytically characterized.
Features?
On the one hand, FolChol showed a high solubility in water and selected organic solvents, and on the other hand, it had a crystalline structure. The crystalline structure gives the salt good stability.
From FolChol to Optifolin+ ™
The properties of FolChol raised interest. The salt has been further developed as an alternative to folic acid by Aprofol together with Balchem as a food ingredient. In the USA, the dossier for this new food ingredient has been accepted by the FDA (NDI-N). Our partner developed the "brand" Optifolin+ ™ from FolChol due to its properties and composition.