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INFORMATION ON VITAMIN B9 (METHYLFOLATE)
Folate is a water-soluble B vitamin essential for one-carbon metabolism. Its active form, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), bypasses conversion issues seen with folic acid supplementation in individuals with MTHFR mutations.
Functions:
- Supports methylation of DNA, neurotransmitters, and homocysteine
- Essential for fetal neural tube development and cell proliferation
- Works closely with B12 in red blood cell formation
- Plays a role in mood regulation via neurotransmitter synthesis
TAILORBLEND prefers 5-MTHF for superior bioavailability and efficacy, especially in individuals with genetic variations affecting folate metabolism.
POPULAR USE & PUBLISHED BENEFITS bbbb
Folate is commonly used to support:
- DNA synthesis, repair, and cellular division
- Red blood cell formation and prevention of megaloblastic anemia
- Cardiovascular health through homocysteine metabolism
- Neural tube development during pregnancy
- Mood, cognitive function, and neurotransmitter synthesis
WHOLE FOODS
Animal Sources:
- Liver, eggs, dairy, seafood
Plant-Based Sources:
- Leafy greens (spinach, kale, romaine), asparagus, Brussels sprouts, lentils, beans, avocado, fortified cereals
RECOMMENDED USE
Synergistic Nutrients:
- B12 (methylcobalamin): Essential for homocysteine metabolism
- B6 & riboflavin: Support methylation cycles
- Choline & betaine: Complement methylation and liver function
Typical Dosages:
- Maintenance: 400 µg/day
- Functional support (mood, homocysteine reduction): 400–800 µg/day
- Therapeutic (pregnancy, MTHFR support, cardiovascular): 500–1000 µg/day
- Excess folate (>1000 µg/day) may mask B12 deficiency
- Consult a healthcare provider before high-dose supplementation, especially if pregnant or taking anti-seizure medications
- Individuals with MTHFR polymorphisms may benefit from 5-MTHF rather than folic acid
VITAMIN B9 (METHYLFOLATE)
- NIH Fact Sheet on Folate: ods.od.nih.gov
- Linus Pauling Institute: lpi.oregonstate.edu
- Bailey LB et al. Am J Clin Nutr (2015) – Folate and pregnancy
- Crider KS et al. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol (2012) – Folate and neural tube defects
- Ulrich CM. Nat Rev Cancer (2007) – Folate in DNA methylation and cancer prevention