L-Methylfolate: Meeting Your Patients Needs
Metabolic Maintenance offers multiple dose options to meet a wider range of patient folate needs.
Folates (various forms of vitamin B-9) are incredibly important nutrients for the proper function of your body and brain. They are necessary for the formation of the nervous system during development, synthesis of neurotransmitters (which support healthy mood), replicating DNA (so that new, healthy cells can be made correctly throughout the body), and cellular detoxification. Low folate status can lead to high levels of homocysteine, which is linked to high blood pressure and strokes, and has been associated with a low mood, due to its relationship with neurotransmitter regulation.
While isolated deficiency is uncommon, low folate status is estimated to affect at least 20% of the US population [1]. Those at the greatest risk of deficiency are women of childbearing age, pregnant women, those with high alcohol intake, those with malabsorptive disorders (ex. Celiac, inflammatory bowel disease, etc.), and those with MTHFR polymorphism [2]. Historically, attempts have been made to mitigate widespread folate inadequacy by “fortifying” foods with synthetic folate, known as folic acid. More recently, however, it was discovered that many people cannot process folic acid due to genetic differences in the MTHFR gene, meaning that symptoms of folate deficiency are still a danger even when the diet includes fortified foods or folic acid supplements. Fortunately, L-methylfolate (also known as L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate or 5-MTHF) is now available as a supplement. L-Methylfolate is the biologically active, methylated form of folate that can be utilized by all, regardless of MTHFR gene variant.
Metabolic Maintenance offers a wider range of L-methylfolate dosage options than any other supplier. This is important, as many different genetic combinations can lead to varying levels of folate metabolism. While some people may be slightly less efficient at processing folic acid, others may be unable completely, and we all have different levels of folate in our diets. Consequently, different individuals require different doses of L-methylfolate supplementation.
As always, Metabolic Maintenance strongly suggests discussing the introduction of any new supplement with your healthcare practitioner before adding it to your daily regimen. Your doctor may help you acquire a genetic test to aid in the assessment of your folate status and/or select the right dose of L-methylfolate for your individual needs. Metabolic Maintenance can provide you with supplementary L-methylfolate capsules containing 2.5, 5, 10, or 15 mg doses.