7 times more bioavailable than ordinary folic acid
Folic Acid is also called Folacin, Folate, Pteroylglutamic acid and Vitamin B9. Folic acid is a B vitamin, it helps the body make healthy new cells and is needed by everyone. Active Folate is 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), the naturally occurring, biologically active form of folate that is nearly 7 times more bioavailable than ordinary folic acid. Active Folate requires no metabolic conversion before being absorbed or entering the cell. It readily crosses the brain-blood barrier and will not mask vitamin B12 deficiency. For women who may get pregnant, it is really important. When a woman has enough folic acid in her body before and during pregnancy, it can prevent major birth defects of her baby's brain or spine.
The human body can generally convert basic forms of nutrients into their biological active forms, yet there are times where the process of conversion is either faulty or incapable of optimally performing this health-sustaining transformation. 5-MTHF, often abbreviated MTHF, is the most biologically active form of folate and is the molecule to which folic acid must be converted in the body to be utilized.
MTHF functions with methylcobalamin (vitamin B12), as a methyl-group donor involved in the conversion of the amino acid homocysteine to methionine. The importance of methyl (CH3) group donation cannot be over-emphasized, as it is involved in countless processes, including serotonin, melatonin, and DNA synthesis. In the case of 5-MTHF there are specific applications relative to sustaining wellness including controlling the level of homocysteine (an amino acid linked to heart disease), preventing neural tube defects, and improving vascular endothelial function. Endothelial cells are the cells that line the blood vessels. When there is damage to the endothelium—the blood vessel lining that contains these cells—it can obstruct blood flow, leading to heart attacks and strokes.
There is evidence pointing to the benefits of using the biologically active form of folic acid, MTHF, as a preferred supplement form. Significantly greater red blood cell folate concentrations were observed after 24 weeks of supplementation with 5-MTHF compared to folic acid and placebo.
A single, high-dose pharmacokinetic study of 5-MTHF or folic acid administration (5 mg) in patients with coronary artery disease demonstrated significantly higher bioavailability of 5-MTHF, which resulted in a 700-percent higher plasma folate concentration after 5-MTHF dosing compared to folic acid. This difference was irrespective of the patient’s enzymatic genotype.
Folic acid deficiency is believed to be one of the most common nutritional deficiencies, which should not be surprising with statistics reporting that only 11 percent consume the daily recommendation of 5 to 7 servings of vegetables and fruit. Common presentations of insufficient folic acid can include macrocytic anemia (too large of red blood cells), fatigue, irritability, peripheral neuropathy, tendon hyper-reflexivity, restless legs syndrome, diarrhea, weight loss, insomnia, depression, dementia, and psychiatric conditions.
While having ones annual blood work done, getting a CBC (Complete Blood Count with Differential) is very important. The MCV result on this test combined with total red blood cell count provides insight as to potential nutrient deficiencies. When red blood cells are enlarged, called macrocytic, the use of both folic acid with vitamin B12 is the most common treatment approach by nutritional minded healthcare providers. Depending on the patient’s nutritional status, the dose of folic acid or 5-MTHF required to reverse macrocytic anemia varies, but the therapeutic dose is usually 800-1,000 mcg (1 mg) daily.
Individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) will often present with folic acid insufficiency arising from the increased demand of cellular healing, malabsorption and the use of medications such as Sulfasalazine, well known to inhibit folate absorption. A study of 99 UC patient records found folic acid supplementation was associated with a 62-percent decreased risk of neoplasia compared to patients not taking a folate supplement.
Folic acid sufficiency can improve gingival (gum) resistance to irritation and resultant inflammation and infection. A mouth rinse of folic acid used twice daily for four weeks, with a rinsing time of one minute, appears to be the most effective manner of application. Clinically, many patients will open up 2 to 5 capsules and mix the contents with about 1 to 2 ounces of water and make their own mouth rinse for each mouth rinsing session.
This brief review of the benefits of folic acid reflects the diverse biochemical importance of this often ignored B vitamin. Furthermore, a meaningful percentage of the populace is unable to sustain sufficient levels of folic acid, let alone the biologically active form, MTHF. Gastrointestinal, cervical, mental, red blood cell, DNA and cellular health are all dependent upon maintaining optimal levels.
Dosage:
Take one to three capsules per day or as directed by your healthcare professional.
Gum inflammation:
Open up 2 to 5 capsules and mix the contents with about 1 to 2 ounces of water to make your own mouth rinse for each mouth rinsing session. Used twice daily for four weeks, with a rinsing time of one minute.
Caution:
If you are taking methotrexate therapy for cancer, do not use this product, since it may decrease methotrexate effectiveness. If you are under a physician's care or taking medication, or if you are pregnant or nursing, consult your healthcare professional before using this product.
New Page 1 | Product Specifications: |
| Serving Size: 1 Capsule |
| Amount Per Serving | % Daily Value |
Folate
(from calcium L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate) | 800mcg | 200% |
| *Daily Value not established |
Other Ingredients:
Rice flour, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (vegetarian capsule), and silica from bamboo stem extract.
Contains no added sugar, salt, yeast, corn, wheat, gluten, coloring, dairy products, flavoring, or preservatives. Keep container tightly closed in a cool, dry and dark place. Keep out of reach of children. |
