A composition for human or animal consumption for supplying folate which
includes a natural isomer of reduced folate, such as (6S)-tetrahydrofolic
acid, 5-methyl-(6S)-tetrahydrofolic acid, 5-formyl-(6S)-tetrahydrofolic
acid, 10-formyl-(6R)-tetrahydrofolic acid,
5,10-methylene-(6R)-tetrahydrofolic acid,
5,10-methenyl-(6R)-tetrahydrofolic acid, 5-formimino-(6S)-tetrahydrofolic
acid, and their polyglutamyl derivatives is disclosed. Such compositions
include multivitamin preparations (with or without minerals and other
nutrients); breakfast foods such as prepared cereals, toaster pastries
and breakfast bars; infant formulas; dietary supplements and complete
diet and weight-loss formulas and bars; animal feed (for example pet
foods) and animal feed supplements (such as for poultry feed). The amount
of the natural isomer of a reduced folate in a composition for human
consumption can range between about 5% and about 200% of the daily
requirement for folic acid per serving or dose.