Moss Nutrition: L-5-MTHF - 120 Capsules

L-5-MTHF (methyltetrahydrofolate) is a bioactive and bioavailable form of folate (folic acid). It is considered the active form of folate because it is the form that is directly incorporated into the methylation cycle that converts homocysteine to methionine, among other functions.

Methylation is a key biological process that involves donating one methyl group (a single carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms) to substrates such as DNA, RNA, proteins such as neurotransmitters and individual protein amino acids. Methylation also is an important step in detoxification processes within the body.

A significant number of people may have an enzyme defect (MTHFR mutation) or single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) that reduces the ability of these individuals to convert folic acid and natural folates into their active form, methylfolate. Such genetic defects lead to a deficiency in available folate. Signs and symptoms of folate deficiency include elevated homocysteine (a risk factor for cardiovascular disease), macrocytic anemia, fatigue, irritability, peripheral neuropathy, hyper-reflexivity, restless legs syndrome, diarrhea, weight loss, insomnia, depression, dementia, cognitive disturbances and psychiatric disorders.

L-5-MTHF is a safe and effective way to increase the body's activated folate levels. During pregnancy, folate is well-known as a critical nutrient in helping to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in the developing fetus. Correcting suboptimal folate levels in the brain helps to boost the production of important neurotransmitters including serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine.