There are many examples that suggest that improved perikonzeptiven folate status reduces the risk of neonatal neural tube defects. Thus, increased consumption of folate is now recommended before and during early pregnancy, folic acid supplements or fortified foods. In addition, there is increasing evidence that folic acid may have a role in prevention of other diseases including dementia, and certain types of cancer. Folic acid is a synthetic form of the vitamin, which is found only in fortified foods, food supplements and medicines. Missing coenzyme activity and should be reduced to the form of metabolically active tetrahydrofolate in the cell.
L-5-methyl tetrahydrofolate (L-5-methyl-THF) is the predominant form of folate and the single type, which is normally found in the circulation, and therefore is folic acid, which is normally transported to the cell metabolism peripheral tissues. L-5-methyl-THF is also commercially as a crystalline form of the calcium salt (Metafolin (R)) are available having the required stability for use as a supplement. Studies in which the L-5-methyl-THF and folic acid were compared, found that the two compounds show similar physiological activity, bioavailability and absorption of equimolar doses. Bioavailability studies have provided strong evidence that L-5-methyl-THF is at least as effective as folic acid improve the state of folic acid, as measured by the level of folic acid and indicators of functional status as folic acid homocysteine in the blood plasma. The addition of L-5-methyl-THF may have advantages with respect to the absorption of folic acid. Firstly, the risk of masking hematological symptoms of vitamin B (12), deficiency in L-5-methyl-THF can be reduced. Second, L-5-methyl-THF, are associated with a reduced interaction with drugs that inhibit dihydrofolate reductase.
