Folate, Folic Acid and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate Are Not the Same Thing.

Scaglione Francesco, Panzavolta Giscardo
Xenobiotica, 2014

Abstract

1. Folate, an essential micronutrient, is a critical cofactor in one-carbon metabolism. Mammals cannot synthesize folate and depend on supplementation to maintain normal levels. Low folate status may be caused by low dietary intake, poor absorption of ingested folate and alteration of folate metabolism due to genetic defects or drug interactions.
2. Folate deficiency has been linked with an increased risk of neural tube defects, cardiovascular disease, cancer and cognitive dysfunction. Most countries have established recommended intakes of folate through folic acid supplements or fortified foods. External supplementation of folate may occur as folic acid, folinic acid or 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF).
3. Naturally occurring 5-MTHF has important advantages over synthetic folic acid - it is well absorbed even when gastrointestinal pH is altered and its bioavailability is not affected by metabolic defects. Using 5-MTHF instead of folic acid reduces the potential for masking haematological symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, reduces interactions with drugs that inhibit dihydrofolate reductase and overcomes metabolic defects caused by methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphism. Use of 5-MTHF also prevents the potential negative effects of unconverted folic acid in the peripheral circulation.
4. We review the evidence for the use of 5-MTHF in preventing folate deficiency.

The best supplements with Folic Acid or Levomefolic Acid in Vitamins category:

• One Daily, Women's, 100 Tablets (21st Century) - O It contains among others: Folic Acid.
• B12 Energizer, Advanced B12 Formula, Natural Cherry Flavor, 360 Lozenges (Zahler) - Potent Energy BoosterVitamin B12 is essential for many critical functions in the body, including energy production, DNA synthesis brain and nervous system functioning, and blood formation. It contains among others: Folic Acid.
• One Daily, Men's Health, 100 Tablets (21st Century) - O It contains among others: Folic Acid.
• Sentry, Multivitamin & Multimineral Supplement, 300 Tablets (21st Century) - 21st Century - Multivitamin & Multimineral Supplement. It contains among others: Folic Acid.
• Folate as Metafolin, 400 mcg, 100 Tablets (Solgar) - Folic Acid must first be converted to its active form by a series of biochemical steps, before it is able to be used by the body. It contains among others: Folic Acid, Levomefolic Acid.
• B-Complex "100", 100 Vegetable Capsules (Solgar) - Each required nutrient in the Vitamin B Complex performs a unique role in maintaining proper metabolic functioning, while nutritionally supporting the body during the occasional stress of daily living. It contains among others: Folic Acid.
• Folic Acid with Vitamin B12, 800 mcg, 250 Tablets (Now Foods) - Folic Acid is very important member of the B-vitamin family required for DNA synthesis and genetic repair, making an adequate supply essential for rapidly dividing cells, such as red blood cells. It contains among others: Folic Acid.
• B-12, 5,000 mcg, 60 Lozenges (Now Foods) - Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) is a water soluble vitamin necessary for the maintenance of a healthy nervous system and for the production of energy from fats and proteins. It contains among others: Folic Acid.
• B-100, 100 Veg Capsules (Now Foods) - B-100 Caps provide a full complement of B-Vitamins plus Choline and Inositol. It contains among others: Folic Acid.
• B-12, 1,000 mcg, 250 Lozenges (Now Foods) - Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) is a water soluble vitamin necessary for the maintenance of a healthy nervous system and for the production of energy from fats and proteins. It contains among others: Folic Acid.
• Mood Support with St. John's Wort, 90 Veg Capsules (Now Foods) - NOW Mood Support is a nutritional supplement that has both nutrients and herbal extracts that aid in the support of a healthy nervous system and a positive, balanced mood state. It contains among others: Folic Acid.
• Kid Vits, Berry Blast, 120 Chewables (Now Foods) - K It contains among others: Folic Acid.
• Daily Vits, 250 Tablets (Now Foods) - D It contains among others: Folic Acid.
• B-50, 250 Veg Capsules (Now Foods) - B-50 Caps provide a full complement of B-Vitamins plus Choline and Inositol. It contains among others: Folic Acid.
• Methyl Folate, 1,000 mcg, 90 Tablets (Now Foods) - Methylfolate is the biologically active, naturally occurring form of folate that is used for fundamental body functions like normal cell division and the synthesis of neurotransmitters and DNA. It contains among others: Folic Acid, Levomefolic Acid.
• B-50, 100 Veg Capsules (Now Foods) - B-50 Caps provide a full complement of B-Vitamins plus Choline and Inositol. It contains among others: Folic Acid.
• B-50, 250 Tablets (Now Foods) - B-50 Tabs provide a full complement of B-Vitamins plus Choline and Inositol. It contains among others: Folic Acid.
• B-100, Sustained Release, 100 Tablets (Now Foods) - B-100 Tables provide a full complement of B-Vitamins plus Choline and Inositol. It contains among others: Folic Acid.
• Folic Acid with Vitamin B-12, 800 mcg, 250 Tablets (Now Foods) - Folic Acid is very important member of the B-vitamin family required for DNA synthesis and genetic repair, making an adequate supply essential for rapidly dividing cells, such as red blood cells. It contains among others: Folic Acid.

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