Levomefolate calcium (cas:151533-22-1)

This product is the calcium salt of L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate, belonging to the folic acid family of vitamins (vitamin B9, folic acid). It is a coenzyme form of folic acid. L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate calcium (5-mthf) is a naturally occurring salt-forming methyl derivative of folic acid. 5-mthf, also known as L-methylfolate, is the most biologically active and functional form of folic acid, and is more easily absorbed than regular folic acid. Folic acid deficiency reduces the cell's ability to synthesize and repair DNA. Folic acid supplementation may be a more beneficial approach to increase folic acid levels, lower homocysteine ​​levels, and support normal cell proliferation, vascular endothelial function, cardiovascular disease, and nervous system function. In particular, 5-MTHF supplementation during pregnancy has been shown to reduce the risk of neural tube defects and recurrence. Metabolic pathways: Regular folic acid must be converted to L-methylfolate to participate in two main metabolic pathways: methylation and DNA synthesis. The only form of free folic acid commonly found in human plasma and cells is 5-mthf. Folic acid deficiency is usually due to insufficient absorption caused by vitamin deficiency. The need for folic acid increases during pregnancy and lactation, and during childhood growth. Due to changes in absorption or metabolism, or the influence of medications, consuming folic acid-rich foods may not guarantee the required dosage, thus supplementation is necessary. Mechanism of Action: Biochemical Pathways. The bioactive folic acid involves a series of enzymatic reactions and cofactors. Absorbed folic acid is reduced and methylated to 5-MTHF during metabolism in intestinal mucosal cells. This conversion is limited and does not alter the appearance of folic acid in the bloodstream. The methyl group is subsequently converted to S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), and the methyl donor participates in multiple biochemical processes. It can also act as a donor in nucleotide synthesis, supporting the biosynthesis of DNA.