5-MTHF

Contributes to the maintenance of good healthHelps the body metabolize proteinsHelps in the formation of red blood cellsHelps prevent folate deficiencyGenerically known as folate, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) is the most biologically active form of the water-soluble B vitamin, folic acid. It is the form into which the body must convert all other forms of folic acid before it can be used. Along with vitamin B12, 5-MTHF serves as a methyl group donor. The body uses methyl groups in many nervous system and metabolic processes, including the conversion of homocysteine ​​to methionine, the synthesis of monoamine neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, epinephrine), the production of melatonin, and DNA synthesis. In addition, sufficient folate is needed for brain and nervous system function. Inadequate folate intake is likely to occur in a diet consisting primarily of processed and/or cooked foods, as processing or cooking destroys the vitamin. In addition to inadequate dietary intake, poor absorption or utilization can lead to folate depletion, as can excessive alcohol consumption and other factors. Despite research showing that folic acid and 5-MTHF have equivalent bioavailability and that supplementation with high doses of folic acid can "force" its conversion to a more active form, 5-MTHF is often the preferred form for replenishing folate. This is primarily due to the inadequacy of folic acid to raise plasma levels when certain conditions are present. In this formula, 5-MTHF is provided as Quatrefolic®, the glucosamine salt of 5-MTHF. Quatrefolic has been shown to have greater stability, solubility, and bioavailability than calcium salt forms of 5-MTHF. Folate is stored in red blood cells, where levels have been shown to be higher after 5-MTHF supplementation compared to folic acid and placebo. For example, patients receiving 5 mg of 5-MTHF had 700% higher plasma levels than patients receiving folic acid. Good folate status is associated with a healthy mood. 5-MTHF may enhance the synthesis of trimonoamine neurotransmitters and help maintain a sense of calm and a healthy outlook. In non-smoking adults, higher folate levels indicate the strength of gum tissue, and a range of vitamins, including folate, appear to support oral health mechanisms. Folate intake is particularly important for women of childbearing age. Studies suggest that supplementation during pregnancy promotes a healthy outcome. In a 2010 study, researchers concluded that if a woman had certain genetic variations during pregnancy, this would lead to reduced methylation capacity and subsequent DNA hypomethylation.