Calcium L-Methylfolate

Calcium L-methylfolate, also known as L-methylfolate calcium or simply methylfolate, is the active form of folate, a B-vitamin essential for various bodily functions. It plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis, cell division, and the production of neurotransmitters.

Here are some key points about calcium L-methylfolate:

Active Form of Folate: Folate is a water-soluble B-vitamin found naturally in foods such as leafy green vegetables, legumes, and fortified grains. Once ingested, folate goes through several biochemical conversions in the body before it can be utilized. Calcium L-methylfolate is the active, bioavailable form of folate that does not require additional conversion by the body.

Importance in Methylation: Methylation is a fundamental biochemical process involved in various bodily functions, including DNA repair, neurotransmitter synthesis, and hormone regulation. Calcium L-methylfolate plays a critical role in the methylation cycle as a methyl donor, helping to transfer methyl groups for numerous metabolic reactions.

Neurological and Psychiatric Health: Adequate folate levels, particularly in the form of methylfolate, are crucial for brain health. Methylfolate is essential for the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which play key roles in mood regulation and cognitive function. Low levels of folate have been associated with an increased risk of depression, cognitive decline, and neural tube defects in infants.

Cardiovascular Health: Folate, especially in its active form as methylfolate, may help maintain cardiovascular health by supporting the metabolism of homocysteine, an amino acid linked to an increased risk of heart disease when present in high levels. Adequate folate intake, particularly in combination with vitamins B6 and B12, can help lower homocysteine levels and promote heart health.

Prenatal Health: Folate is critically important during pregnancy to support fetal development, particularly in the early stages when neural tube formation occurs. Adequate maternal folate intake, including supplementation with methylfolate, is essential for reducing the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly.

Genetic Considerations: Some individuals may have genetic variations that impair their ability to convert dietary folate into its active form. These individuals may benefit from supplementation with calcium L-methylfolate to ensure they receive an adequate supply of active folate.

Overall, calcium L-methylfolate plays a vital role in numerous biochemical processes throughout the body, particularly those related to neurological health, cardiovascular function, and fetal development. Supplementation with methylfolate may be beneficial for individuals with specific dietary deficiencies or genetic factors that affect folate metabolism.

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EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA); Turck D, Castenmiller J, De Henauw S, Hirsch-Ernst KI, Kearney J, Maciuk A, Mangelsdorf I, McArdle HJ, Naska A, Pelaez C, Pentieva K, Siani A, Thies F, Tsabouri S, Vinceti M, Cubadda F, Engel KH, Frenzel T, Heinonen M, Marchelli R, Neuhäuser-Berthold M, Poulsen M, Sanz Y, Schlatter JR, van Loveren H, Bernasconi G, Germini A, Knutsen HK. Calcium l-methylfolate as a source of folate added for nutritional purposes to infant and follow-on formula, baby food and processed cereal-based food. EFSA J. 2020 Jan 17;18(1):e05947. doi: 10.2903/j.efsa.2020.5947. PMID: 32626499; PMCID: PMC7008817.