5-methyltetrahydrofolate

5-Methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) is the predominant form of folate found in the blood and is the primary biologically active form of folate in the human body. It is a coenzyme involved in the transfer of one-carbon units in the metabolism of nucleic acids and amino acids. 5-MTHF is crucial for the synthesis of DNA, the methylation of homocysteine to methionine, and the production of neurotransmitters.

Biochemistry

5-Methyltetrahydrofolate is a derivative of tetrahydrofolate (THF), which is a reduced form of folic acid. It is produced in the body through the reduction of dihydrofolate to THF by the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase, followed by the methylation of THF to 5-MTHF by the enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). This process is part of the folate cycle, which is essential for the synthesis of purines and pyrimidines, the building blocks of DNA.

Role in Health

5-MTHF plays a critical role in the methylation cycle, which is vital for numerous biological processes, including the regulation of gene expression, protein function, and RNA processing. It is also involved in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine, an essential amino acid. Elevated levels of homocysteine are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, making 5-MTHF important for cardiovascular health.

Clinical Significance

Deficiency in 5-MTHF can lead to megaloblastic anemia, a condition characterized by the production of abnormally large and immature red blood cells. It can also result in elevated homocysteine levels, which are linked to cardiovascular diseases and neural tube defects in developing embryos. Supplementation with 5-MTHF is often recommended for individuals with MTHFR gene mutations, which can impair the conversion of folic acid to 5-MTHF.

Supplementation

5-MTHF is available as a dietary supplement and is often used as an alternative to folic acid, especially in individuals with MTHFR polymorphisms. It is considered to be more bioavailable and effective in raising blood folate levels compared to folic acid.

Also see

• Folate
• Tetrahydrofolate
• Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase
• Homocysteine
• Megaloblastic anemia