Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF) is a bioactive, naturally occurring form of folate. Folate is a critical B vitamin required during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects (NTDs) in the developing fetus. The traditional recommendation has been folic acid supplementation, but emerging scientific evidence validates the use of 5-MTHF as an effective—and, in some cases, preferable—alternative. Unlike synthetic folic acid, 5-MTHF does not require enzymatic conversion by methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) to become bioactive. This is significant because a considerable proportion of the population has MTHFR gene polymorphisms, which reduce their ability to convert folic acid to its active form. Studies have shown that supplementation with 5-MTHF raises plasma folate levels and reduces homocysteine more efficiently in these individuals, thus supporting fetal neural development and reducing the risk of NTDs. Regulatory agencies and medical societies in some countries recognize 5-MTHF as a safe and effective alternative to folic acid during pregnancy. While large-scale clinical trials specifically on 5-MTHF and pregnancy outcomes are fewer compared to folic acid, the mechanistic rationale and smaller clinical studies provide strong support for its use. Overall, scientific evidence justifies the use of 5-MTHF to support healthy pregnancy, particularly in women with known or suspected MTHFR polymorphisms.

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