What Is 5-MTHF?
L-MTHF is the biologically active form of vitamin B9. It is the form that the body uses in the cycle. This ingredient has several other common names, such as L-methylfolate, methyl folate, L-5-MTHF, Levomefolic acid, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolate, Quatrefolic, etc. It can also be called L-Methylfolate calcium. It refers to the calcium salt molecules attached to it.
The letters or numbers preceding the name refer to the compound’s three-dimensional chemical structure. Therefore, L- and 6(S)-indicate bioactive L-methylfolate, which is beneficial. D- and 6(R)-indicate the non-bioactive L-methylfolate, which is not helpful.
Some products may only list methyl folate or 5-MTHF without specifying the form it contains. If the label doesn’t indicate L-Methylfolate, Metafolin, or Quatrefolic, it’s probably not the bioactive form.
Folic Acid VS Folate
Other forms of vitamin B9, including folic acid and folate, are the common forms we consume. Among them, L-methylfolate also occurs naturally in some high-folate foods.
Folate is often referred to as the natural form of vitamin B9. But it refers to a different compound form that occurs naturally in some vegetables.
Folic acid is a supplement or “synthetic” form of vitamin B9. It is often preferred to treat folate deficiency and related health problems, such as high homocysteine and neural tube defects. At the same time, Folic acid also occurs naturally in food. It exists as another compound form of folate.
In fact, the addition of Folic acid is very beneficial to the general population. Adding folic acid to wheat flour is now mandatory in Australia, the United States, Canada, and several other countries.
Any Folic acid ingested must be converted into dihydrofolate (DHF) and tetrahydrofolate (THF). Finally, it became 5-MTHF, which is used in humans. Once converted to this form, it can be transported to cells, tissues, and even across the blood-brain barrier. However, MTHFR enzyme and vitamin B2 are required to convert 5,10 Methylenetetrahydrofuran into L-methylfolate. Therefore, problems such as MTHFR mutations may arise during the conversion process. These individuals cannot complete the final metabolic step that converts folic acid to its active form, l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate. In this case, supplementing with Folic acid is not helpful and may even be harmful.
Is 5-MTHF Safe?
Generally speaking, this ingredient is safe and reliable. However, a small number of people may experience the following symptoms.
- Muscle ache
- Acne or rash
- Insomnia and stress
- severe anxiety
- Nausea, headaches and migraines
These symptoms may appear two weeks later, a week later, or even a day later. If these symptoms occur, please stop taking the product in question immediately. And seek out a doctor for help.
There are also reports that measures can be taken to alleviate some of the side effects of methylfolate, including a small dose of 10-50 mg of niacin or glutathione supplementation.
Beyond this, several large observational studies have found an association between MTHFR mutations and an increased risk of miscarriage, at least in Asian populations. However, not all studies have found this connection. Observational studies cannot prove causality, so the current research data cannot confirm whether it is true.
Considering the important role of active folic acid in fetal growth and development, ensuring adequate L-methylfolate intake is a top priority for pregnant women. Active folic acid has a highly effective preventive effect against neural tube defects, which is why all national and international health organizations advocate supplementing this ingredient before and during pregnancy.
Is L-Methylfolate Linked To Depression?
L-methylfolate is widely regarded as an effective complementary medicine for patients with major depressive disorder. That is, using it with a medication (SSRI) to increase overall effectiveness. An equally effective combination is fish oil and depression.
Some randomized clinical trials have shown that calcium L-methylfolate 15 mg/day is a safe, effective, and well-tolerated treatment in patients with depression who are partially or unresponsive to SSRIs. It is particularly effective for those with certain genetic variations (including MTHFR) and those prone to inflammation.
About The Application Areas Of Calcium L‐Methylfolate
Calcium L 5 Methyltetrahydrofolate Supplements
The FDA and European Food Standards Agency have approved L-methylfolate (5-MTHF) calcium supplements. It can contain both prescription and over-the-counter supplements. But for over-the-counter supplements, make sure there is a label specifying the amount of active L-methylfolate.
Food-Related To Infants And Young Children
On January 17, 2020, at the request of the European Commission, the EU Group on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) reviewed the safety of calcium l-methylfolate as a source of folic acid added to infant formula, baby food, and processed cereal foods. Provide scientific advice. After evaluation, the expert panel concluded that calcium L-methylfolate is a source of bioavailable folate. Calcium L-methylfolate is safe for the proposed uses and use levels.
Application Of 5-MTHF In Diabetes
Diabetic neuropathy is a nerve disorder that develops over time in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
In one study, 544 patients with diabetic neuropathy received L-methylfolate-methylcobalamin-pyridoxal-5-phosphate for over a year. The results showed that patients previously treated with medication experienced a 32% reduction in overall pain scores. Reported a 52% increase in medication satisfaction.
Therefore, it can only be concluded that L-methylfolate supplementation is beneficial in treating diabetic neuropathy.
Conclusion
5-MTHF has many benefits, and relevant studies have proven its effectiveness. The European Union and the FDA also recognize that it can be added to supplements, infant formula, etc. Nutri Avenue, a professional supplier of dietary supplement ingredients, has its own 5-MTHF trademarked product – Methylfoca™. Higher purity powder, stricter quality testing. Welcome to come and learn more details.
