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Foundational

Folate (5-MTHF) · L-methylfolate

The active form of folate; better for those with MTHFR variants.

B
Bevisning grade
Human RCTs, biomarker outcomes

Short answer

Folate (5-MTHF) (L-methylfolate) is a foundational with evidence grade B, meaning it is supported by human RCTs. We track 4 produkter containing Folate (5-MTHF). Typical doses range from 0.4 to 1.333 mg per portion. The top-ranked product scores 7.3 out of 10 on our composite scale (dose, evidence, price, testing, transparency). Prices range up to $40.00 per månad.

Bevisning grade: B Produkter in database: 4 Kategori: Foundational

Top Folate (5-MTHF) produkter

ProductVarumärkeDosePris/mo3rd-party testedPoäng
Matter1.333 mg$40.00Yes7.3
Jarrow Formulas Methyl Folate, 400 mcg0.4 mg$11.99No7.2
Vital Proteins Beauty Boost Capsules0.4 mg$30.00No5.8
Seed AM-02 Energy + Focus0.4 mg$34.99Yes5.4

Scores are editorial judgments, not a scientific standard. Se how we score.

What it is

A B-vitamin essential for DNA synthesis and methylation. Different from cheap 'folic acid', L-methylfolate is the biologically active form.

Why people take it

Corrects deficiency, essential in pregnancy. High folic acid in supplements can build up in blood as unmetabolized folic acid; methylfolate doesn't.

Our verdict

Pay a bit extra for L-methylfolate over folic acid, especially over 40 or if you don't tolerate folic acid.

Structure & class

(6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolate.

Mechanism & clinical data

Bypasses MTHFR polymorphism. Immediately usable in the methylation cycle.

Pharmacokinetics

Days.

Dose & forms

Trial dose
0.4 mg
/ day
Range in trials
0.2 to 1 mg
/ day
Common forms
Metafolin® / Quatrefolic®, Folic acid (avoid)

What to watch out for

Folic acid (the synthetic form) can mask B12 deficiency. Choose methylfolate.

Where this dose comes from

The trial dose above is our editorial pick from the published human trials for this ingredient. We choose the dose that the best-available studies used on the endpoint most relevant to longevity. The range shows the lowest and highest doses tested in published trials. The landmark studies below are the papers we read to set it. You can click through and check our work.

When new trials publish, our automated sweeps flag them. If a new study materially changes the dose, we update it through editorial review and record the old dose, new dose, and the triggering study in every affected product's recommendation history. The dose is never changed automatically.

Regelverk status

EUFood supplement
USDietary supplement
UKFood supplement
CANHP

Timeline

Regelverk events, evidence grade changes, and key research milestones for Folate (5-MTHF), most recent first. Every entry links to its primär source.

  • 2025-04 Regelverk single source
    EU Court sharpens the bar for botanical health claims
    A Court of Justice of the European Union ruling in april 2025 further tightened the requirements for how botanical ingredients (herbs, plant extracts) can be marketed with health claims in the EU, effectively removing much of the flexibility of the on-hold list.
  • 2024-06 Regelverk confirmed
    EU report identifies 117 supplement substances as potential health risks
    The HoA Working Group on Food Supplements (26 European countries) published its first report evaluating 117 substances used in food supplements. Of these, 65 were assessed as likely novel foods, 6 were already regulated, 34 had insufficient data, and 12 were prioritized for Article 8 restriction under Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006. The 12 priority substances include ashwagandha, curcumin, melatonin, piperine, St. John's wort, coumarin, p-synephrine, maca, holy basil, Melaleuca, black cohosh, and L-tryptophan. The report drew on 1,500 RASFF alerts reviewed between 2017 and mid-2022.
  • 2006-12 Regelverk confirmed
    EU Health Claims Regulation adopted
    Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 laid down harmonised rules for nutrition and health claims made on foods, including supplements. Only claims listed in the EU Register of authorised claims can be used. Rejected botanical claims are held in a separate on-hold list.
  • 1997 Regelverk confirmed
    EU introduces the Novel Food Regulation
    Regulation (EC) No 258/97 required any food or food ingredient without a history of consumption in the EU before 15 maj 1997 to be authorised before being placed on the market. This is the framework that captures NMN, spermidine as a supplement ingredient, urolithin A, and many other longevity actives.

Landmark studies

    Found in these produkter (4)

    Alla produkter in our catalog that contain Folate (5-MTHF), ranked by our overall score. Ranking is editorial, never paid.

    Redaktionellt guides

    Buying guides and comparisons

    Neighbouring molecules

    Related ingredients

    Se alla in Foundational →

    Molekyler in the same class, plus the actives most often formulated alongside Folate (5-MTHF) in our catalogue.

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    Frequently asked questions

    What is Folate (5-MTHF)?

    A B-vitamin essential for DNA synthesis and methylation. Different from cheap 'folic acid', L-methylfolate is the biologically active form.

    What dose of Folate (5-MTHF) should I take?

    The trial dose in published human studies is 0.4 mg per dag, with a range of 0.2 to 1 mg per dag. Always consult a qualified clinician before starting any supplement.

    Is Folate (5-MTHF) safe?

    Folic acid (the synthetic form) can mask B12 deficiency. Choose methylfolate.

    What is the best Folate (5-MTHF) supplement?

    We track 4 produkter containing Folate (5-MTHF). The top-ranked product scores 7.3 out of 10 on our composite scale, which evaluates dose, evidence, price, third-party testing, and transparency. See the comparison table above. Scores are editorial judgments, not a scientific standard.

    What is the evidence grade for Folate (5-MTHF)?

    Folate (5-MTHF) has evidence grade B, meaning it is supported by human RCTs. Grade A means replicated human RCTs with hard endpoints. Grade B means human RCTs with biomarker outcomes. Grade C means mixed or small human trials. See our evidence grading methodology.

    Independently checked

    Data verification

    Bevisning grade
    B
    Human RCTs, biomarker outcomes
    Research dose
    0.4 mg
    Verified n/a
    Produkter tracked
    4
    Uppdaterad continuously
    Säkerhet signal
    Folic acid (the synthetic form) can mask B12 deficiency. ...
    Verified n/a

    Bevisning grades are reviewed when new human RCTs are published. Product counts update automatically as new produkter are added. Dose ranges reflect published trial data, not brand recommendations. Read how we verify.