PT. Simex Pharmaceutical Indonesia reaffirmed its commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and public health by participating in the Symposium of Psychoneuroimmunology Indonesia (PNI) & the 3rd Solo Update on Psychiatry (SoUP). The event was held on February 21–22, 2025, at Solo Paragon Hotel, Surakarta.

On this occasion, PT. Simex participated in the Lunch Symposium with the topic:
“The Critical Roles of Active Folate (5-MTHF) on Brain and Immune Health”

Folate is not only recognized as an essential vitamin during pregnancy but also plays a fundamental role in maintaining brain, nervous system, and immune health throughout life. Numerous studies show that folate deficiency impacts not only overall metabolism but also increases the risk of cognitive disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and psychiatric disorders such as depression.

The Critical Role of Folate in the Body

Folate is an essential vitamin required to support cellular function throughout the body. Key roles of folate include:

1. Supporting structural development,
2. Converting nutrients into energy,
3. Repairing and replicating DNA/RNA,
4. Regulating the expression of specific cellular functions.

Folate is involved in one-carbon metabolism processes, including DNA/RNA synthesis, amino acid production, and the formation of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), which is crucial for DNA, protein, and neurotransmitter methylation.

Advantages of 5-MTHF (HY-FOLIC®)

The active form of folate, 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), accounts for approximately 98% of folate in human plasma. Compared to conventional folic acid, 5-MTHF has several advantages, including:

- 5-MTHF is biologically active and does not require further enzymatic conversion,
- 5-MTHF is the only form of folate that can cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB), effectively supporting neural metabolism,
- 5-MTHF directly participates in the synthesis of key neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine) through the availability of the tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) cofactor,
- 5-MTHF is more effective at lowering homocysteine levels, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, inflammation, depression, and cognitive disorders such as episodic memory decline and dementia.

With these advantages, HY-FOLIC® is the ideal choice as a superior active folate supplement compared to conventional folic acid :

- Impact of Folate Deficiency
- Low folate levels have widespread health consequences, including:
- Immune & Vascular System: Increased homocysteine damages vascular endothelium and triggers inflammation.
- Genetics & Aging: Oxidative stress from folate deficiency damages DNA and proteins, leading to genomic instability and accelerated aging.
- Cognition: Folate levels below 11.2 nmol/L are associated with global cognitive decline, while levels below 21.8 nmol/L predict episodic memory deterioration. Low folate levels serve as an early indicator of cognitive decline in older adults.
- Psychiatry: Folate deficiency is linked to more severe, longer-lasting, and recurrent depression due to monoamine neurotransmitter dysregulation.

Conclusion

1. Folate plays a vital role in maintaining cellular health, the nervous system, and immune function.

2. HY-FOLIC® (5-MTHF) is the active form of folate, the only form capable of crossing the blood–brain barrier, effectively supporting brain function, immune system, cognition, and mood regulation.

3. Folate deficiency is strongly associated with cognitive, vascular, immune, and psychiatric disorders.

With the availability of HY-FOLIC®, more patients are expected to obtain optimal folate benefits, particularly in supporting brain and immune health.