5-Methyltetrahydrofolic Acid (hydrate) (Synonyms: 5-methyl THF, Prefolic A)

5-Methyltetrahydrofolic acid is a biologically active form of folic acid that functions, in conjunction with vitamin B12, as a methyl-group donor involved in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine.^1,2 The availability of methyl groups is essential for a variety of methylation reactions including the synthesis of DNA and proper neural tube closure.¹ It has been used to restore nitric oxide-generating activity in cases of familial hypercholesterolemia or hyperhomocysteinemia, reducing homocysteine levels and improving vascular endothelial function.^3,4

1.Blom, H.J., and Smulders, Y.Overview of homocysteine and folate metabolism. With special references to cardiovascular disease and neural tube defectsJ.Inherit.Metab.Dis.34(1)75-81(2011) 2.5-Methyltetrahydrofolate. MonographAltern.Med.Rev.11(4)330-337(2006) 3.Verhaar, M.C., Wever, R.M.F., Kastelein, J.J.P., et al.5-Methyltetrahydrofolate, the active form of folic acid, restores endothelial function in familial hypercholesterolemiaCirculation97237-241(1998) 4.Zhang, X., Li, H., Jin, H., et al.Effects of homocysteine on endothelial nitric oxide productionAmerican Journal of Physiology.Renal Physiology279(4)671-678(2000)