Vitamin & Mineral · Vitamin

Methylfolate (5-MTHF / Quatrefolic)

Provisional Strong Scorevitamin

Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia

Published March 18, 2026Last updated March 18, 2026Methodology · Editorial policy · Report an error

Evidence review status: unreviewed

Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.

Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION

Provisional Summary

Methylfolate (5-MTHF) is the bioactive form of folate that bypasses the MTHFR enzyme conversion step required by folic acid. It directly supports DNA methylation, neurotransmitter synthesis, and homocysteine metabolism at the cellular level.

—

Screened PMID Records

Reported Benefits

Pending

Synergy Review

At a Glance

CategoryVitamin & Mineral

GroupVitamin

Public Score StatusProvisional Strong

Primary Keywordmethylfolate benefits

Methylfolate (5-MTHF / Quatrefolic) — botanical close-up

Reported Benefits (Provisional)

Supports DNA synthesis and repair, ensuring healthy cell division and reducing cancer risk. - Essential for prenatal health, reducing neural tube defects by up to 70% when taken before and during early pregnancy. - Enhances mood and cognitive function by supporting neurotransmitter synthesis. - Supports cardiovascular health by regulating homocysteine levels, reducing heart disease risk. - Boosts immune function by promoting the production of white blood cells. - Supports red blood cell formation, preventing anemia and reducing fatigue. - Promotes skin health by aiding in the repair and regeneration of skin cells.

Origin & History

Methylfolate, also known as 5-MTHF or Quatrefolic, is the active form of folic acid. It is produced through chemical synthesis and enzymatic conversion processes.

“Folic acid was discovered in the 1940s, with methylfolate later identified as its active form, crucial for preventing birth defects and supporting heart health.”Traditional Medicine

Research Narrative (Provisional)

Numerous RCTs and meta-analyses confirm methylfolate's role in prenatal health and homocysteine reduction. Emerging studies suggest benefits in mood and cognitive support.

Preparation & Dosage

Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.

Nutritional Profile

- Active form of folic acid. - Water-soluble vitamin. - Involved in methylation processes.

Reported Mechanism (Provisional)

Mechanism of Action

Methylfolate acts as a methyl donor in the one-carbon metabolism cycle, transferring methyl groups to homocysteine via methionine synthase to produce methionine and S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe). This process supports DNA methylation, neurotransmitter synthesis including serotonin and dopamine, and maintains optimal homocysteine levels. Unlike folic acid, 5-MTHF bypasses the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) enzyme, making it effective even in individuals with MTHFR genetic polymorphisms.

Clinical Narrative (Provisional)

Clinical trials demonstrate methylfolate's efficacy in reducing neural tube defects by 70% when taken periconceptionally at 400-800 mcg daily. Depression studies show 15mg daily of L-methylfolate as adjunct therapy improved response rates by 18-30% in SSRI-resistant patients across multiple RCTs with 75-242 participants. Cardiovascular studies indicate 5-15mg daily reduces homocysteine levels by 13-25% in 4-12 week trials, though long-term cardiovascular outcome data remains limited.

Also Known As

(6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolate5-MTHFL-methylfolateLevomefolic acidMetafolinActive folateBioactive folic acidMethyltetrahydrofolate

Browse All Ingredients More Vitamin About the Encyclopedia

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

From the Hermetica Research Desk

Research updates — and 25% off your first order

Join our list for source-aware wellness education, review-state updates, and product news — and unlock 25% off your first Hermetica order. Educational content is not medical advice. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Educational content only — not medical advice.