- Bioactive (methylated) form of folate
- Recommended for pregnant women
- Influences amino acid metabolism
- Participates in the production of red blood cells
- Regulates homocysteine levels
- Supports normal psychological functions
- Supports the functioning of the immune system
- Promotes reduction of feelings of fatigue and tiredness
- Participates in the process of cell division
Jarrow Formulas Methyl Folate is a dietary supplement containing the biologically active form of 4th generation folate (Quatrefolic®) in a methylated form, i.e. 5-MTHF, also known as vitamin B9 or B11.
Folic acid regulates cell growth and function, has a beneficial effect on the nervous system and brain, prevents neural tube damage in the fetus, has a positive effect on newborn development, regulates cell division and participates in blood production.
Participation in the production of red blood cells
A correlation has been found between folic acid intake and normal blood formation. During its deficiency, errors in DNA synthesis occur, and abnormal fragments are cut out of the chain. When this process is repeated several times, DNA fragmentation and cell cycle abnormalities occur causing megaloblastosis, which is the morphological picture of biochemical abnormalities leading to inhibition of DNA synthesis.
The main clinical expression of folic acid deficiency is megaloblastic anemia, which is characterized by large, abnormally nucleated erythrocytes that accumulate in the bone marrow. A decrease in the number of white blood cells and platelets is also observed, as a result of an overall decrease in cell division.
Involvement in homocysteine metabolism
Methylfolate (5-MTHF) is an important regulatory and functional element during the production of methionine from homocysteine. Blockages in homocysteine metabolism lead to its intracellular accumulation with subsequent export to the blood. Depending on the magnitude of the disorder, its plasma levels can increase to varying degrees. Among humans, hyperhomocysteinemia is considered a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative diseases and fetal malformations.
Involvement in cell division
During the S phase of the cell division cycle, the cell's DNA is replicated. This process depends on the presence of active forms of folate, and deficiencies of folate prevent the correct synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid. An additional function of folate in the production of nucleotides includes the de novo synthesis of the nitrogenous bases adenine and guanine that make up the DNA chain.
Immune system support
Folic acid plays a pivotal role in nucleotide synthesis and can therefore affect immune system cell proliferation and responses. During folate deficiency, decreased proliferation of many cell types is observed.
Cells deprived of folate, accumulate in S-phase due to nucleotide imbalance and slowdown of DNA synthesis. When folic acid is given to cells previously deprived of it, the accumulation in S phase is reversed and division is restored. Folic acid deficiency has also been shown to reduce the number of circulating T lymphocytes and their proliferation.
Involvement in amino acid synthesis
Folic acid coenzymes are involved in amino acid metabolism, including the catabolism of histidine to glutamic acid, the conversion of serine to glycine and the remethylation of homocysteine to methionine. Folic acid mediates the transfer of single carbon atoms from serine. The conversion of homocysteine to methionine serves as the main source of methionine for the synthesis of S-adenosylmethionine, which is the methyl group donor in many methylation reactions of proteins, nucleoproteins, histones, neurotransmitters and phospholipids.
Maternal tissue growth during pregnancy
During pregnancy, folic acid is needed to increase the weight of the mother's red blood cells. This causes the formation of the placenta and the development of the fetus, uterus, breast and other maternal tissues due to its role in cell division.
Mental functions
Severe folic acid deficiency in humans is characterized by macrocytic anemia, which causes symptoms of weakness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, headaches, palpitations and shortness of breath. Thus, a cause-and-effect relationship has been found between folic acid intake and contribution to maintaining normal mental function.
Recommended supplementation - for whom?
Folic acid supplementation is especially recommended among all people at risk of deficiencies, which we can include: pregnant women, girls during puberty, infants, the elderly, alcohol abusers and those who follow a starvation or non-nutritional, single-product-based diet.
In addition, deficiencies can occur in people at risk of impaired folate absorption and metabolism, during chronic gastrointestinal diseases and the use of various medications.
