Understanding 5-MTHF: The Superior Folate Supplement

Folate is an essential B vitamin (B9) critical for DNA and RNA synthesis, cell growth, and repair. While many of us consume folic acid from supplements or fortified foods, not all folate sources are created equal. Enter Quatrefolic®, a groundbreaking form of active folate directly absorbed and utilised by the body, offering distinct advantages over traditional folic acid.

What is Folate, and Why Does it Matter?

Folate vs. Folic Acid: Key Differences

• Natural Folate: Found in green leafy vegetables, legumes, and eggs, it supports numerous bodily functions, including DNA synthesis and cellular repair.

• Folic Acid: A synthetic version of folate added to fortified foods like bread and cereals and commonly used in supplements. However, folic acid must be converted into the active form, 5-MTHF, through enzymatic processes.

The Issue with Folic Acid

Folic acid requires conversion by the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and further steps in the body to become 5-MTHF. However:

• Many people have MTHFR gene polymorphisms (affecting up to 40% of the global population), which reduce their ability to convert folic acid efficiently into its active form (Scaglione and Panzavolta, 2014) (Carboni, 2022) 

• Unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA) can accumulate in the bloodstream, potentially interfering with natural folate function and raising health concerns (Scaglione and Panzavolta, 2014). 

The Science Behind Quatrefolic: The Active Folate Advantage

Quatrefolic, a patented form of 5-MTHF, bypasses the body’s need to convert folic acid into an active form. Here’s why it’s superior:

1. Directly Active: Quatrefolic is ready to use by the body, eliminating conversion inefficiencies caused by MTHFR gene variations. (Scaglione and Panzavolta, 2014). 

2. No Risk of UMFA: Unlike folic acid, Quatrefolic doesn’t result in unmetabolized folic acid accumulation, which could have adverse effects, including masking vitamin B12 deficiencies (Carboni, 2022). 

3. High Bioavailability: Studies show that 5-MTHF is absorbed faster and more efficiently than folic acid, providing quicker and more uniform folate replenishment ​(Carboni, 2022). 

Key Health Benefits of 5-MTHF Supplementation

1. 5-MTHF Lowers Homocysteine Levels for Heart Health

High levels of homocysteine, an amino acid, are linked to cardiovascular diseases, infertility, and neurological disorders. Quatrefolic, in conjunction with vitamins B6 and B12, has been shown to significantly lower homocysteine levels. For example, a study on 104 hypertensive patients demonstrated that Quatrefolic supplementation reduced homocysteine levels by over 50%, outperforming high-dose folic acid (Mazza et al., 2016). 

2. 5-MTHF for Pregnancy & Fertility: Why It's Crucial

Folate is essential during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects (NTDs) and promote fetal development. Quatrefolic offers a better alternative for women with MTHFR polymorphisms who cannot efficiently metabolize folic acid. Research indicates that Quatrefolic improves clinical pregnancy and live birth rates in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART), compared to folic acid alone (Cirillo et al., 2021) (Carboni, 2022)

3. Cognitive & Mental Health Benefits of 5-MTHF

Folate plays a key role in neurotransmitter production. Quatrefolic may help manage conditions like treatment-resistant depression by improving methylation processes critical for serotonin and dopamine synthesis. Clinical studies have highlighted its potential as a complementary therapy to antidepressants, particularly for individuals with MTHFR variations (Hardin and Baldwin-Sayre, 2020)

4. Addresses Folate Deficiency

Folate deficiency remains prevalent worldwide, especially in populations with limited access to fresh produce or those with increased needs, such as pregnant women. Unlike folic acid, Quatrefolic ensures efficient absorption and utilization even in individuals with genetic or metabolic challenges​ (Carboni, 2022).

Who Can Benefit from our Active Folate?

Our Active Folate is ideal for:

• Individuals with MTHFR Polymorphisms: Ensures proper folate metabolism without requiring enzymatic conversion.

• Pregnant Women: Reduces the risk of NTDs and supports healthy fetal development.

• Those with High Homocysteine Levels: Helps lower cardiovascular and infertility risks.

• Anyone Seeking Optimal Folate Levels: Provides superior bioavailability and efficacy compared to traditional folic acid.

• Those with Poor Diets or Nutrient Deficiencies: Ideal for people with low fruit and vegetable intake to replenish folate and combat symptoms like fatigue and cognitive impairment (Although no supplement can replace the health benefits from well planned diet filled with the essential micronutrients that come from fruit and vegetable consumption) 

• Aging Adults: Helps maintain cognitive health, cardiovascular function, and overall well-being in older populations with reduced dietary folate intake.

Get the best form of Folate availble : Active Folate

When it comes to folate supplementation, not all products are created equal. Our Active Folate is designed to deliver superior bioavailability and efficacy, ensuring your body gets the active form of folate it needs to thrive. Here’s why it’s the perfect choice:

Each capsule provides 600 µg of Quatrefolic (5-Methyltetrahydrofolic Acid), the active and ready-to-use form of folate. Unlike traditional folic acid, Quatrefolic bypasses the need for enzymatic conversion, making it ideal for individuals with MTHFR gene variations that can hinder folate metabolism. With 300% of the EU Nutrient Reference Value (NRV), this supplement ensures optimal levels of folate to support DNA synthesis, red blood cell production, and the regulation of homocysteine levels.

To enhance the formula, we’ve included 377 µg of Glucosamine, which supports cellular repair and provides additional joint health benefits. Combined with a clean and carefully crafted formula. 

Reference list

Carboni, L. (2022). Active Folate Versus Folic Acid: The Role of 5-MTHF (Methylfolate) in Human Health. Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal, [online] 21(3), p.36. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9380836/.

Cirillo, M., Fucci, R., Rubini, S., Coccia, M.E. and Fatini, C. (2021). 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate and Vitamin B12 Supplementation Is Associated with Clinical Pregnancy and Live Birth in Women Undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(23), p.12280. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182312280.

Hardin, A. and Baldwin-Sayre, C. (2020). L-Methylfolate as a Monotherapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Case Study. Integrative Medicine, [online] 19(5), p.12. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344634204_L-Methylfolate_as_a_Monotherapy_for_Treatment-Resistant_Depression_A_Case_Study.

Henderson, A.M., Aleliunas, R.E., Loh, S.P., Khor, G.L., Harvey-Leeson, S., Glier, M.B., Kitts, D.D., Green, T.J. and Devlin, A.M. (2018). l-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate Supplementation Increases Blood Folate Concentrations to a Greater Extent than Folic Acid Supplementation in Malaysian Women. The Journal of Nutrition, 148(6), pp.885–890. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/nxy057.

Mazza, A., Cicero, A.F., Ramazzina, E., Lenti, S., Schiavon, L., Casiglia, E. and Gussoni, G. (2016). Nutraceutical approaches to homocysteine lowering in hypertensive subjects at low cardiovascular risk: a multicenter, randomized clinical trial. Journal of biological regulators and homeostatic agents, [online] 30(3), pp.921–927. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27655522/.

Scaglione, F. and Panzavolta, G. (2014). Folate, folic acid and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate are not the same thing. Xenobiotica; the fate of foreign compounds in biological systems, [online] 44(5), pp.480–8. doi:https://doi.org/10.3109/00498254.2013.845705.