Typical dose
100-400 mcg daily
Oral
Oral safety: very low
About this supplement
5-Methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) is the active form of folate, a B-vitamin that plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis, repair, and methylation. It is essential for the production of red blood cells and is involved in amino acid metabolism. Unlike folic acid, which must be converted into its active form by the body, 5-MTHF is readily utilized by the body, making it a preferred choice for supplementation, especially for individuals with MTHFR gene mutations that impair folate metabolism.
How much to take
- Typical amount
- 100-400 mcg daily
- Suggested range
- 100-800 mcg
Potential benefits
Benefits linked to this supplement form:
Things to watch for
Possible side effects linked to this form:
Health goals
Needs and goals this form may help with:
Other forms of Vitamin B9
Compare absorption and active amounts with sibling forms:
Vitamin B9 (5-Methyltetrahydrofolate)
Vitamin B9 (Calcium Folinate)
Vitamin B9 (calcium methylfolate)
Vitamin B9 (calcium methyltetrahydrofolate)
Vitamin B9 (Folate)
Vitamin B9 (folic acid)
Vitamin B9 (folic acid/folate)
Vitamin B9 (folinic acid)
Vitamin B9 (methylfolate)
Vitamin B9 (methyltetrahydrofolate)
Vitamin B9 (Mixed)
Vitamin B9 (unspecified)
Technical details â–¼
Chemical ID (CAS)
118196-08-6
Physical properties
5-MTHF is a yellow to orange crystalline powder, soluble in water and slightly soluble in alcohol.
How it’s made
5-MTHF is typically produced through fermentation processes or chemical synthesis from precursors such as tetrahydrofolate.