5-MTHF

7 out of 10 people with depression may have a specific genetic factor that limits their ability to convert folic acid or folate from the diet to L-methylfolate.

L-methylfolate is known as a trimonoamine modulator (TMM) which boosts the synthesis of monoamine neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine).

Correcting suboptimal folate levels in the brain is necessary to boost the production of key neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine).

This would be indicated for those who have been diagnosed as a a person who has a genetic enzyme mutation (called MTHFR polymorphism) which would not allow full convertion of folate into L-methylfolate.

L-methylfolate, the only active form of folate that can cross the blood brain barrier and help with the synthesis of the neurotransmitters associated with mood and, consequently, mood disorders such as depression: serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Research shows that people with depression and low folate levels are less likely to respond to treatments such as antidepressants and less likely to achieve remission.

See More Info Tab to learn more about folic acid and genetic polymorphism.

Active Ingredients:

• L-Methylfolate 10 mg
  from 5-methyltetrahydrofolate 20 m)
• Glycine 210 mg

Inactive Ingredients:vegetarian capsule

5-MTHF 10 mg product contains racemic methylfolate-- 10 mg S isomer, 10 mg R isomer (or D,L depending on the chemical nomenclature used). That is why it says 10 mg L-methylfolate from 20 mg total methylfolate.

The new 5-MTHF Quatrefolic 10 mg product contains only S isomer (or L) methylfolate.

The attachment is a more detailed explanation-- including research involving racemic methylfolate.

Concerns have been raised about the widespread use of large folate supplements, they may mask pernicious anemia (vitamin B12 deficiency) in its early (and more easily treated) stages. It is best to be taking vitamin B12 when using a folate supplement this high, and to tell your doctor what you are doing.

Recommended Dosage:
Use only as directed by a health professional.

Caution: Pregnant or lactating women, or individuals taking prescription medications, consult your healthcare professional before taking this product.

Storage: Keep tightly closed in a dry place; do not expose to excessive heat.

Each preservative-free vegetarian capsule contains only the active ingredients listed on the label. Excipient-free.

Keep out of reach of children.

Manufactured in a GMP Certified Facility.

Read customer questions and answers about Nutrition Basics on our blog.

Folic acid (which is a man-made product and can actually block L-methylfolate from crossing the blood brain barrier) has to go through a four-step process throughout our bodies before our brains can use it. Natural folate from green vegetables has to go through a three-step process. When time is of the essence, as it often is in cases of severe depression and other mood disorders, these three- and four-step processes just aren?t quick enough.

Synthetic folic acid is metabolized in the body into levomefolic acid. Levomefolic acid or metafolin (5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid) is the natural, active form of folic acid used at the cellular level for DNA reproduction, the cysteine cycle and the regulation of homocysteine among other functions.

Approximately 10% of the general population (homozygous TT) lack the enzymes needed to receive any benefit from folic acid. Another 40% of the population (heterozygous CT) appear to convert only a limited amount of folic acid into levomefolic acid. They cannot fully process supplemental folic acid at RDA or higher dose levels. The remaining population do not have an MTHFR polymorphism and can fully metabolize folic acid.

Over one half of the general population is compromised in its ability to break down folic acid into L-methylfolate (MTHFR C->T polymorphs) and is even higher in people who suffer from depression.(2,3) L-methylfolate is used immediately upon absorption.

You could be at risk for low folate levels if you suffer from these problems and should be assessed by a medical professional to determine if you have this enzyme deficiency or mutation if you have any of these health concerns or use these medications:

• Diabetes
• Hypothyroidism
• Atrophic gastritis
• Crohn's
• Colitis
• Malignancies
• Anorexia

Drug	Use
Oral contraceptives	birth control medications
Antiepileptic drugs	bipolar disorder, anti-seizure
Lithium	bipolar disorder, depression
Metformin	diabetes
Methotrexate, sulphasalazine	arthritis, cancer
L-dopa	Parkinson's
Niacin, fenofibrates	high cholesterol
Isotretinion	acne

These medications can lower folate levels, and extra folate supplementation may be necessary. Other factors that can lower folate are as such:
Smoking, excess alcohol, dietary folate deficiency due to poor nutrition, eating disorder, and chronic dieting

References:

1. Kelly CB et al. J Psychopharmacol. 2004;18(4):567-71.
2. Papakostas GI et al. 2004;65(8):1090-5.
3. Arinami T. 1997;74:526-528.
4. Bottiglieri T. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry. 2005;29:1103-12.