5metilTHF

5-Methyltetrahydrofolate, often abbreviated as 5-MTHF or 5-methylTHF, is the most biologically active form of folate. Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is essential for numerous metabolic processes in the human body, including DNA synthesis, repair, and methylation. Unlike folic acid, the synthetic form of folate commonly found in supplements and fortified foods, 5-MTHF does not require enzymatic conversion to become usable by the body.

This direct usability is a key advantage of 5-MTHF. The conversion of folic acid to its active form, 5-MTHF, relies on a multi-step enzymatic pathway involving enzymes like dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). Genetic variations in the MTHFR gene can impair this conversion process in a significant portion of the population, leading to a buildup of unmetabolized folic acid and reduced availability of the active folate form.

5-MTHF plays a crucial role in the methylation cycle, a fundamental biochemical pathway. Through methylation, 5-MTHF donates a methyl group to homocysteine, converting it back to methionine. Methionine is a vital amino acid involved in protein synthesis and the production of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), a universal methyl donor for numerous cellular reactions. These reactions are critical for neurotransmitter synthesis, detoxification, gene expression regulation, and maintaining cardiovascular health.

Because of its direct bioavailability and essential role in critical biological pathways, 5-MTHF is increasingly used in dietary supplements, particularly for individuals with MTHFR gene polymorphisms or those seeking to optimize folate status. It is also used in certain medical applications to address folate deficiency.