95% L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate Calcium Powder
What is L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate Calcium?
L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate calcium (also known as L-methylfolate) is an important chemical with various properties and uses.
L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate calcium (L-5-MTHFCa) is a chemical with the molecular formula C20H23CaN7O6. It appears as an off-white to pale yellow solid. As a methylated form of folic acid, its molecular structure consists of a complex of an L-glutamic acid group and a benzoyl group, existing as a calcium salt. Compared to ordinary folic acid, it can directly participate in one-carbon unit transfer reactions in the body without undergoing metabolic conversion, and is primarily used in the pharmaceutical and nutritional supplement fields. Related preparations can be prepared through chemical synthesis, and some products exist in a highly stable crystalline form with good water solubility. L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate calcium, a derivative of tetrahydrofolate, is widely used as a food additive and pharmaceutical additive.
Features of L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate Calcium
Stability: This form is highly stable, naturally present in plasma, and directly available to cells.
Absorption and Bioavailability: Its bioavailability is approximately two to three times that of regular folic acid, meaning it is more readily absorbed and utilized by the body.
High Bioactivity: 5-MTHF is more readily absorbed and utilized by the body than regular folic acid, making it more effective in boosting folate levels when supplementing with folic acid.
Biochemical Mechanism: 5-MTHF plays a central role in biochemical processes, participating in numerous enzymatic reactions and cofactors. It is converted to S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) in the body, which acts as a methyl group donor in a variety of biochemical processes.
Mechanism of Action of L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate Calcium
The biochemical pathways for the biological activity of folate involve a series of enzymatic reactions and cofactors. Absorbed folate is metabolized in intestinal mucosal cells and methylated to 5-MTHF. This conversion is limited, and the folate appears unchanged in the bloodstream. S-adenosylmethionine is then converted to S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), a methyl group donor involved in various biochemical processes. It also serves as a methyl group donor in nucleotide synthesis, supporting DNA biosynthesis.
Main Benefits of L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate Calcium
Promotes DNA Synthesis and Cell Growth
As the active form of folic acid, it participates in DNA synthesis and cell growth and is essential for maintaining cellular health.
Cardiovascular Health
It helps lower homocysteine levels, thereby supporting cardiovascular health.
Supports Neurological Health
Calcium L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate helps maintain a healthy nervous system and supports nervous system development.
Boosts Energy Production
It participates in energy production and hormone metabolism, which are essential for overall health.
Can Cross the Blood-Brain Barrier
It can directly cross the blood-brain barrier, which is crucial for brain health and function.
Prevents Alzheimer's Disease
It may help reduce the accumulation of beta-amyloid in the brain, thereby preventing Alzheimer's disease.
Applications of L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate Calcium
Food Additives
Calcium L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate is widely used in the food additive field, primarily for fortifying foods to meet the folic acid nutritional needs of specific populations.
Health Supplements
In the health supplement field, it is widely used in the production of various health supplements, especially for specific populations such as pregnant women and the elderly.
Pharmaceuticals
In the pharmaceutical field, it is primarily used to treat diseases related to folic acid deficiency and as an intermediate in drug synthesis.
