Folate helps maintain homocysteine levels within the normal range, which promotes cardiovascular health. And it also supports neurotransmitter synthesis, which in turn helps maintain cognitive abilities. However, not everyone has sufficient activity of the enzyme required to convert folate to its biologically active form, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, or 5-MTHF. That's why each vegetarian tablet of Life Extension Optimized Folate provides 1,000 mcg of the bioactive 5-MTHF form of folate which is up to 7 times more bioavailable than ordinary folic acid.*
Those who take ordinary folate supplements may not be experiencing its full spectrum of effects. This is because once ingested, not everyone converts folate to its biologically active form called 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF). Research shows that in a large proportion of the population, genetic enzyme deficiencies inhibit the conversion of folate to 5-MTHF, leaving many vulnerable to low blood folate levels (and higher-than-desired homocysteine). A more useful approach is to take the bioactive folate 5-MTHF directly, which has been declassified as a drug and is now available as a dietary supplement. 5-MTHF has been shown to dramatically raise red blood cell folate levels compared with folic acid supplementation. This bioactive folate is up to seven times more bioavailable than folic acid. This greater bioavailability is especially important in people who have a genetic enzyme deficiency since it requires no conversion to become metabolically active.*
