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Optimized Folate (L-Methylfolate)
1000 mcg, 100 vegetarian capsules
Item Catalog Number: 01312 |
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Folate is involved in neurotransmitter synthesis and critical enzymatic reactions throughout the body. By depleting excess homocysteine, folate benefits cardiovascular health and nervous system function.
Those who take ordinary folate supplements, however, may not be experiencing its full spectrum of effects. This is because once ingested, not everyone converts folate to its biologically active form called 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF).16 Research shows that in a large proportion of the population, genetic enzyme deficiencies prevent the conversion of folate to 5-MTHF, leaving many vulnerable to low blood folate levels (and higher than desired homocysteine).
A more useful approach is to take the bioactive folate 5-MTHF directly, which has been declassified as a drug and is now available as a dietary supplement. 5-MTHF has been shown to dramatically raise blood serum folate levels17 compared with folic acid supplementation. This bioactive folate is up to seven times more bioavailable than folic acid. This greater bioavailability is especially important in people who have a genetic enzyme deficiency18 since it requires no conversion to become metabolically active.
A study of 10 patients with endothelial dysfunction showed complete reversal of endothelial impairment after 5-MTHF supplementation compared with healthy control patients.19
People with elevated homocysteine levels have a greater risk of cognitive decline.20 Unlike folic acid, 5-MTHF is able to cross the blood-brain barrier, which is especially important for people with cognitive difficulties to enhance the synthesis of acetylcholine in the brain — the neurotransmitter associated with memory.
Studies also show that the effectiveness of 5-MTHF can be further enhanced by co-supplementing with methylcobalamin (the active form of vitamin B12),21 vitamin B6, and riboflavin.22 |
| References |
| Supplement Facts |
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Serving Size 1 vegetarian capsule |
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Servings Per Container 100 |
| Amount Per Serving |
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Folate (as 5-Methyltetrahydrofolic acid (5-MTHF), and calculated based upon the biologically Active 6S isomer) |
1000 mcg |
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Other ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, vegetable cellulose (capsule), vegetable stearate, silica. |
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This product contains NO milk, egg, fish, peanuts, crustacean shellfish (lobster, crab, shrimp), soybeans, tree nuts, wheat, yeast, gluten, corn, or rice. Contains NO sugar, and no artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors, or preservatives. | |
| Dosage and Use |
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Take one capsule daily with food, or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner. | |
| Caution |
Since folic acid can mask the most obvious effect of a vitamin B12 deficiency, the Life Extension Foundation Buyers Club offers only folic acid capsules that contain vitamin B12, and those taking folic acid powder are advised to add vitamin B12 powder to their daily folic acid supplement. |
| Note |
Healthful diets with adequate folate may reduce a woman’s risk of having a child with a brain or spinal cord defect. Women of childbearing age should consume 800 mcg of folate daily. |
| Warnings |
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