Vitamin

Folate (L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate)

Also known as: 5-MTHF, methylfolate, L-methylfolate, folinic acid

Evidence

An essential B-vitamin required for DNA synthesis, cell division, and methylation reactions. L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate is the bioactive form and primary circulating form in blood.

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Daily target & upper limit

400 mcg / day · UL 1000 mcg

Folate (L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate) has an established daily reference intake. See best forms, label synonyms, upper-limit warnings, and top-scoring supplements:

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Primary uses

pregnancy support
neural tube defect prevention
DNA synthesis
methylation support

How it works

one-carbon unit transfer for nucleotide synthesis
supports homocysteine metabolism
facilitates methylation reactions

Dosage

Typical range: 200-800 mcg daily
Timing: any time of day
With food: optional; take consistently
Duration: essential for preconception and throughout pregnancy and lactation
Special populations: pregnant women: 400-800 mcg daily (higher doses for MTHFR variants or prior NTD); lactating women: 500 mcg daily

Forms

L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (preferred)· 70/100
folic acid (synthetic)· 70/100
folinic acid· 70/100

Safety

Contraindications

avoid high doses in undiagnosed B12 deficiency

Products containing Folate (L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate)

Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Folate (L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate) on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.

Thorne

5-MTHF 5 mg

Thorne

Craving and Stress Support

Evidence notes

Strong RCT evidence for neural tube defect prevention in pregnancy. 400 mcg daily standard prenatal recommendation from ACOG and CDC.

Grade A: Multiple well-designed human trials support the main claims.

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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider.