Folate (as L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate calcium salt) — answers to Folate / vitamin B9 (as L-5-MTHF, sometimes called methylfolate)
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This is a form of folate, the B vitamin involved in DNA synthesis and cell division. L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate is the active form the body normally converts folic acid into; some supplements use it directly, including for people whose bodies convert folic acid less efficiently.
Why it’s used
Taken to meet daily folate needs, including during pregnancy planning, when adequate folate status is associated with reduced risk of neural tube defects.
What the evidence is for
reducing neural tube defect risk when folate status is adequate before and during early pregnancy.
What the evidence says
NIH ODS describes folate as essential and folic acid supplementation before and during early pregnancy as strongly supported for reducing neural tube defect risk. Evidence specifically comparing L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate to folic acid suggests it raises blood folate levels comparably, though long-term outcome data specific to this form are less extensive than for folic acid itself.
Dose studied
400–1000 mcg — adult RDA up to the tolerable upper intake level for synthetic folate forms, per NIH ODS.
Context
The adult RDA is 400 mcg dietary folate equivalents per day, rising to 600 mcg during pregnancy, with a tolerable upper intake level of 1,000 mcg/day for synthetic folate forms, per NIH ODS.
Educational information, not medical or safety advice. Consult a professional for allergies or medical concerns.