5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) is the metabolically active form of folic acid. It’s the only form of folate used directly by the body and does not require metabolic conversion or activation. 5-MTHF is up to seven times more bioavailable than folic acid.¹ 5-MTHF can cross the blood-brain barrier, which allows 5-MTHF specifically to benefit the neurological system.

Methylcobalamin is the bioactive form of B12 that is readily utilized in the body and central nervous system.

What Folate Does for the Body

Folate is a member of the B-complex family. It is found in abundance in leafy green vegetables. Folate participates in an enzymatic reaction that synthesizes DNA needed for cell growth and new cell formation, and it helps convert vitamin B12 to one of its bioactive forms.

Folate provides many health benefits, including helping to promote healthy DNA function, maintaining already normal homocysteine levels for heart health, promoting healthier skin, and helping to maintain a healthy GI tract and immune system. It also maintains healthy endothelial function and may improve mild memory loss associated with aging.^2-6

Optimal levels of folate are necessary for healthy cell division and protein synthesis and are especially important for the maintenance of a healthy GI tract. Chronic use of medications such as aspirin in therapeutic doses and antacids can interfere with the metabolism of folate.

The Impact of Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is found in foods of animal origin, including dairy products and eggs. Thus, vegetarians are more susceptible to a dietary deficiency of this important nutrient. With aging, absorption of vitamin B12 from dietary sources typically declines.⁷

Benefits of vitamin B12 include supporting brain health and cognition, and supporting heart health by regenerating the amino acid methionine, which helps maintain healthy homocysteine levels. B12 also helps enhance methylation and promote nerve cell growth, brain health, cognition and metabolism. And when combined with folate, it helps maintain the production of red blood cells (erythropoiesis) within normal range.⁷