Vitamin
Folate (L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate)
Also known as: 5-MTHF, methylfolate, L-methylfolate, folinic acid
A
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.
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
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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