| Folate is
involved in neurotransmitter synthesis and critical enzymatic reactions
throughout the body. By depleting excess homocysteine, folate benefits
cardiovascular health and nervous system function.
Those who take
ordinary folate supplements, however, may not be experiencing its full spectrum
of effects. This is because once ingested, not everyone converts folate to its
biologically active form called 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF). Research shows that in a large
proportion of the population, genetic enzyme deficiencies prevent the
conversion of folate to 5-MTHF, leaving many vulnerable to low blood folate
levels (and higher than desired homocysteine).
A more useful
approach is to take the bioactive folate 5-MTHF directly, which has been
declassified as a drug and is now available as a dietary supplement. 5-MTHF has
been shown to dramatically raise blood serum folate levels compared with folic acid
supplementation. This bioactive folate is up to seven times more bioavailable
than folic acid. This greater bioavailability is especially important in people
who have a genetic enzyme deficiency since
it requires no conversion to become metabolically active. |
