One in three Americans has a genetic variation that impairs their ability to properly utilize folic acid. The recent availability of the metabolically active form of folic acid in supplemental form has the potential to improve health and prevent premature death for millions.

Folic acid's importance to human health has to do in part with its role in a biochemical process called methylation. Methylation refers to the transfer of methyl groups (one carbon bound to three hydrogen atoms). Methylation occurs billions of times in the body each day. The important thing here is that methylation is essential for health.

L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (L-5-MTHF) is the metabolically active form of folic acid. The folic acid found in food has to be cleaved (digested) from protein carriers in order to be absorbed. This process is inefficient in some individuals. Once absorbed, dietary (and supplemental) folic acid has to then undergo several biochemical conversions in the body to become L-5-MTHF. Roughly one in three Americans have genetically inefficient enzymes that help create L-5-MTHF.

By supplementing with L-5-MTHF, one can be assured of getting the benefits of folic acid, regardless of their ability to absorb or convert it to the active form. If you are an individual with impaired ability to utilize regular folic acid, L-5-MTHF supplementation can make a truly dramatic difference in your health.

L-5-MTHF plays a role in DNA synthesis and repair. Inadequate levels of 5-MTHF is linked to childhood leukemia. Cancers of the colon and breast are also associated with suboptimal L-5-MTHF status, as is the precancerous condition called cervical dysplasia. In a study involving smokers, high doses of folic acid and vitamin B12 reversed precancerous cellular changes in the lungs.

L-5-MTHF is very important to genetic expression. Methyl groups are strategically placed on certain genes to inactivate them. Every cell in the human body has the genetic information to produce every other type of cell. The thing is that most of the genes are not active. Methyl groups (supplied indirectly by L-5-MTHF) silence the genes that should not be active in a given cell at a given time. This is obviously critical for good health. Some of the genes within our cells are tumor promoters. Proper methylation, which requires L-5-MTHF, keeps these genes silenced. When L-5-MTHF is lacking, these tumor promoter genes become active and trouble begins. Cancer cells have been found to be lacking in methylation.

The importance of L-5-MTHF involves more than its role in promoting proper genetic expression, DNA synthesis and repair. L-5-MTHF also plays a role in dopamine and serotonin metabolism. Not surprisingly, folic acid deficiency is a consistent finding in depression. L-5-MTHF transfers methyl groups to S-adenosylmethionine (SAM or SAMe), which is the compound that directly donates methyls to DNA and to serotonin and dopamine. Like L-5-MTHF, SAM is available in supplemental form. SAM is a popular remedy for depression and arthritis. It is likely that individuals who respond to SAM are actually in need of L-5-MTHF. It makes sense to try L-5-MTHF before SAM because it is much less expensive.

L-5-MTHF also plays an important role in detoxication of a variety of compounds, including environmental toxins (such as mercury, lead, arsenic and tin), medications, and some of the body's own hormones. Estrogens are detoxified through methylation. Inadequate levels of L-5-MTHF cause potentially toxic build-up of estrogens in the body, which increases risk to breast, prostate and other cancers. Other conditions of estrogen excess, such as uterine fibroids and endometriosis, are also more likely to occur and be more severe. Histamine, epinephrine (adrenaline), and norepinephrine are also detoxified by methylation. Inadequate L-5-MTHF could therefore potentially worsen allergy and stress-related symptoms.

INGREDIENTS: Activated folate supplements typically contain L-methylfolate, the biologically active form of folate, along with other inactive ingredients such as fillers, binders, and stabilizers

DIRECTIONS AND DOSAGE: Follow the recommended dosage instructions provided by your healthcare provider or as indicated on the supplement packaging, and consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

CAUTION: Caution should be exercised when drinking activated folate supplements, as excessive intake may mask symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency.