The Future of Optimising Health with Active Folate
Recently, our very own Dr Brad presented on Active Folate at the Natural Health Products Innovation Expo NZ in Auckland, New Zealand. The conference is a highlight of the year in New Zealand and had record attendance.
What is active Folate?
Folate is an essential water-soluble vitamin. The active form of folate is 5‐methyltetrahydrofolic acid, commonly referred to as 5-MTHF. 5-MTHF is the primary biologically active form of folate that the body utilises for various functions.
What are some of the essential roles and functions of active folate?
5-MTHF has numerous essential roles and functions in the body. Some of the essential roles of 5-MTHF in the body include:
- Normal healthy growth and development
- Cell growth and division
- Synthesis of DNA, RNA, and proteins
- Enzymatic reaction
Some of the functions of 5-MTHF are:
- One-carbon metabolism
- Methylation
- Amino acid metabolism
- Purine and pyrimidine synthesis
- DNA repair
- DNA methylation
- Re-methylation of homocysteine to methionine
How do some of the deficiencies of folate present?
Vitamin deficiencies present in various different ways. Some of the conditions related to folate deficiency include:
- Megaloblastic anaemia
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Hyperhomocysteineaemia (elevated homocysteine in the blood)
- Depression
- Cognitive dysfunction and decline
Active folate and MTHFR
5,10-Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) catalyses the irreversible reduction of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), the primary form of folate. Altered MTHFR activity is the most common inherited disorder of folate metabolism, where there is an impairment in the ability to process folate effectively. A MTHFR gene polymorphism negatively affects folate metabolism and represents a potential risk factor for numerous health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, hyperhomocysteinaemia, pregnancy complications, infertility, and depression. The challenge is inefficient folate metabolism and methylation via a polymorphism of the MTHFR gene adversely affecting various health conditions and wellbeing.
References
McEwen B. The role of folate in health: a snapshot. JATMS. 2023; 29(1): 24-28.
McEwen BJ. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR): Mythology or polymorphism(ology)? Advances in Integrative Medicine. 2016; 3(3): 79-81.
McEwen BJ. Can methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphisms increase the risk of chronic disease, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)? Advances in Integrative Medicine. 2016;3(3):109-111.
For information purposes only. Not a substitute for medical advice. If symptoms persist, talk to a health professional.
For more information on Active Folate for your products, contact CMG at info@cmgrouponline.com.au