Folate: One of the Next Generation Ingredients at the Heart of EPINOME™
What Is Folate?
Folate, also known as folacin or vitamin B9, is a water-soluble B vitamin. The term encompasses naturally occurring food folates as well as synthetic forms found in supplements and fortified foods, such as folic acid. Once ingested, dietary folate is absorbed in the small intestine and enzymatically converted into its biologically active form, tetrahydrofolic acid. Among the various folate derivatives generated through metabolism, 5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid (5-MTHF) and formyl folates are the most commonly absorbed forms.
Getting Enough Folate Isn’t So Simple
Humans are unable to synthesize folate de novo due to the absence of necessary pathways, making dietary intake essential. Folate-rich foods include beef liver, spinach, kale, citrus fruits, lentils, asparagus, avocados, beets, broccoli, and fortified cereals and grains. However, the bioavailability of natural folates is limited, and they are highly susceptible to degradation during food processing, storage, and cooking. As a result, many people struggle to meet recommended intake levels through diet alone. While some folate is synthesized by gut microbiota and absorbed in the colon, the extent of its contribution to overall folate status remains unclear.
A Must-Have for Pregnancy?
Functionally, folate acts as a coenzyme or cosubstrate in one-carbon transfer reactions involved in the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and certain amino acids. One of its critical roles is the conversion of homocysteine to methionine, a process that yields S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), a vital methyl donor. Adequate folate intake is particularly important during the peri-conception period, as supplementation with folic acid has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of neural tube defects (NTDs). According to the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) established by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, women of reproductive age should consume 400 micrograms of synthetic folic acid daily, in addition to naturally occurring folates. This recommendation increases to 600 micrograms for pregnant women and 500 micrograms for those who are lactating.
Risks of Folate Deficiency
Folate deficiency often coexists with other nutritional deficiencies and is frequently associated with poor diet, alcoholism, and malabsorptive conditions. Its primary clinical manifestation is megaloblastic anemia, characterized by the presence of unusually large, immature red blood cells. Folate deficiency has also been linked to increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Certain populations are at higher risk of folate inadequacy, including women of childbearing age, pregnant individuals, those with alcohol use disorder, individuals with absorption disorders, and people carrying a 677C>T polymorphism in the MTHFR gene. This genetic variant reduces the activity of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) enzyme, impairing the conversion of folate to 5-MTHF, resulting in elevated homocysteine levels and increased NTD risk.
L-5-MTHF: A Smarter Alternative to Folic Acid
To address this genetic limitation and enhance folate absorption, supplementation with L-5-MTHF, the reduced and active form of folate, is an effective alternative to folic acid. Unlike folic acid, L-5-MTHF does not require metabolic conversion and is immediately available for use in the body. It also demonstrates superior bioavailability, particularly for individuals with MTHFR polymorphisms—estimated to affect up to 40% of the population—who struggle to convert folic acid effectively.
L-5-MTHF and vitamin B12 (cobalamin) work closely together in metabolic pathways. Folic acid donates a methyl group to homocysteine to form methionine, a reaction that requires vitamin B12 as a cofactor. A deficiency in B12 can lead to elevated homocysteine levels and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease—even when folate levels are sufficient. High doses of folic acid may correct the anemia caused by B12 deficiency but can mask its neurological symptoms, potentially delaying diagnosis and leading to irreversible nerve damage. To avoid this issue, it has been proposed that folic acid used in food fortification be replaced with L-5-MTHF, which is equally effective in preventing NTDs and does not carry the same risk of masking B12 deficiency.
L-5-MTHF is a safe and effective natural form of folate. However, it is sensitive to heat, light, and oxygen, and can degrade quickly during food processing or cooking. To preserve its stability and efficacy, encapsulation technologies are employed in supplementation. These systems protect the bioactive compound and control its release, maximizing its therapeutic potential and ensuring better health outcomes.
A Powerful Formulation Acting on Methylation Processes
Thanks to its high bioavailability and well-documented benefits, L-5MTHF is one of the key active ingredients in EPINOME™. Alongside the CLP Holistic Complex and six other precisely selected actives, it plays a crucial role in supporting optimal gene expression and helping the body fully harness its potential through targeted epigenetic action.
Our team at holistic.health@cliniquelaprairie.com is available for all questions you may have.