5-MTHF is an active, tissue-ready form of folate, an essential B vitamin that supports heart, brain, and blood health. 5-MTHF, also known as Methylfolate, is the preffered form of folate supplementation because it is the active form of folate used by the body's tissues.

Many individuals don't get sufficient 5-MTHF (L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate), the active form of folic acid, because they have intestinal or liver dysfunction, or because they are among the three out of five Americans whose genetic makeup makes it difficult to convert folic acid into active 5-MTHF.

An adequate amount of 5-MTHF is essential for the production of the neurotransmitters serotonin, melatonin, dopamine, and epinephrine – all of which support healthy brain function and mood

A deficiency of folic acid has been linked to low-birth-weight infants and neural tube defects. The Centers for Disease Control recommends folic acid supplementation for all women of childbearing age. Since 5-MTHF also contributes to the production of serotonin, melatonin, dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine, supplementation supports healthy mood.

It is important for a woman of childbearing age to get enough folic acid – not just those women who are planning to become pregnant. Because half of pregnancies are unplanned, any woman who could become pregnant should get enough folic acid every day. Folic acid intake is especially important before conception and during early pregnancy, since its biggest need is during the first trimester – when a woman might not even know she is pregnant. Supplementation with the active form of folic acid – 5-MTHF (L-5 Methyltetrahydrofolate)– is always preferable.

 Acting with vitamin B12, 5-MTHF functions as a methyl-group donor, thereby facilitating the conversion of the amino acid homocysteine to methionine. An elevated homocysteine level is a risk factor for a number of undesirable health conditions. Methyl-group donation is vital to many biochemical conversion processes, including the synthesis of serotonin, melatonin, and DNA

 Note: 1 mg of 5-MTHF is recommended for fetal support during pregnancy; the 15 mg option is recommended only when directed by a health-care practitioner.

***5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) supplementation is not recommended concurrent with methotrexate cancer therapy, as it can interfere with methotrexate's anti-neoplastic activity; however, this folate source has not been shown to interfere with the anti-inflammatory activity of methotrexate. An individual taking methotrexate for psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis can safely take a supplement containing folate.