Folinic acid (also known as Leucovorin) is a 5-formyl derivative of tetrahydrofolic acid. It is readily converted to other reduced folic acid derivatives (e.g., tetrahydrofolate), and, thus, has vitamin activity that is equivalent to that of folic acid.
5-MTHF (L-Methyl tetrahydrofolate) is involved in neurotransmitter synthesis and critical enzymatic reactions throughout the body. Folate benefits cardiovascular health and nervous system function.
Ordinary folic acid supplements may not deliver the full spectrum of effects. This is due to the fact that once ingested, not everyone converts the usual folic acid to their biologically active form called 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF). Bio Methyl Folate provides 5-MTHF in its active form. Recent studies have shown that a significant portion of the population have genetic enzyme deficiencies which prevent the conversion of folate to 5-MTHF.
5-MTHF has been shown to be up to seven times more bioavailable than regular 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.
5-MTHF is able to cross the blood-brain barrier to enhance brain synthesis of acetylcholine the neurotransmitter associated with memory, which is especially important for people with cognitive difficulties and neuro-immune syndromes. *
