Description:
Folate is critical to many cellular processes, including DNA synthesis, cell division, and conversion of homocysteine to methionine. It is especially important during periods of frequent cell division and growth, such as infancy and pregnancy. Causes of folate deficiency include poor diet, pregnancy, alcoholism, liver diseases, gut problems, impaired kidney function, and MTHFR gene mutations.
Calcium L-5-MTHF, or calcium levomefolate, is a coenzymated calcium salt of vitamin B9 (folate or folic acid). L-5-MTHF is the most bioavailable form of folate supplements. It is easier to absorb and metabolize than other folate forms. It is also the only species found in circulation and transported across membranes & the blood–brain barrier.
L-5-MTHF supplementation has several advantages over intake of folic acid. First, it is less likely to mask vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency symptoms. Second, L-5-MTHF is associated with a reduced interaction with drugs that inhibit dihydrofolate reductase. Finally, L-5-MTHF absorption is not affected by MTHFR gene polymorphism.