Skip To Main Content
L-5-MTHF 1,700 mcg DFE (1 mg)
Methylated Folate
Folate (vitamin B9) is provided in its biologically active form, L-5-MTHF, which supports normal methylation and homocysteine balance.*
Bioactive folate as Quatrefolic® [6S]-5 methyltetrahydrofolate to support folate status and promote normal methylation.*
• Supports folate status*
• Promotes normal methylation*
• Supports homocysteine metabolism*
Recommended Use: Take 1 capsule per day or as directed by your health-care practitioner.
High-quality supplementation means using bioavailable vitamin forms
This formula provides the biologically active, methylated form of folate, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), for enhanced bioavailability. 5-MTHF is the form of folate naturally found in food and the body, and it is more readily utilized than synthetic folic acid, which is common in many supplements. Some individuals have genetic variations that make it difficult to convert folic acid into 5-MTHF, which is necessary for proper methylation and cellular function.* For this reason, Designs for Health uses 5-MTHF to provide optimal support and benefits.*
Helpful Product Resources
Compare L-5-MTHF 1,700 mcg DFE (1 mg) with all Designs for Health products, review research and education resources, or visit the product and ordering FAQs for additional support.
L-5-MTHF
Key Performance Benefits
- Supports folate status*
- Promotes normal methylation*
- Supports homocysteine metabolism*
What This Product Is
L-5-MTHF provides the biologically active form of folate to support folate status and promote normal methylation and homocysteine metabolism. This formula provides folate in the bioidentical form as 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), the active circulating form of folate found in the body. It features the patented Quatrefolic® form, which uses a glucosamine salt rather than calcium salt for increased bioavailability, demonstrated high solubility, and long-lasting stability.*
Designs for Health offers three serving options of L-5-MTHF: 1,700 mcg, or 8,500 mcg dietary folate equivalents (DFE) to support individual supplementation needs. Folate plays many key roles in the body, and folate deficiency and insufficiency may increase the risk of conditions associated with elevated homocysteine. Folic acid, the common synthetic form, must undergo several conversion steps to become 5-MTHF, and those with certain genetic variations may have a harder time completing this conversion. When the methylation cycle works optimally, it supports normal cardiovascular, neurological, detoxification, and reproductive activities.*
Mechanism of Action
Bioactive Folate for Direct Utilization
L-5-MTHF provides folate as 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, the active circulating form that the body uses directly in metabolic processes. Unlike synthetic folic acid, which must undergo multiple conversion steps, 5-MTHF is ready for immediate use in the methylation cycle, particularly benefiting individuals with genetic variations affecting folate conversion.*
Methylation Cycle Support
Methylation is a fundamental biochemical process that turns biological switches on and off for various systems in the body. By providing the active form of folate required for efficient methylation, L-5-MTHF supports normal cardiovascular, neurological, detoxification, and reproductive activities.*
Homocysteine Metabolism
Adequate folate status is essential for healthy homocysteine metabolism. L-5-MTHF supports the conversion of homocysteine, helping maintain healthy levels that are associated with cardiovascular and neurological health.*
Applications
- Individuals seeking bioactive folate that bypasses conversion steps required by synthetic folic acid*
- Those with genetic variations that may affect folate metabolism*
- Individuals wanting to support healthy homocysteine levels*
- Those seeking methylation support for cardiovascular, neurological, and detoxification health*
- Individuals needing flexible dosing options (1,700 or 8,500 mcg DFE)*
Key Ingredients / Formula Highlights
L-5-MTHF (as Quatrefolic® [6S]-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate)
Patented bioactive form of folate. Glucosamine salt for increased bioavailability over calcium salt forms. Active circulating form that bypasses conversion steps. Three dosage options for individual needs.*
Capsule Format
One capsule per day convenience. Available in 1,700 and 8,500 mcg DFE options. Gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, vegetarian, and non-GMO.*
Suggested Use
Take 1 capsule per day, or as directed by your health-care practitioner.
Product Questions
How does L-5-MTHF compare to Homocysteine Supreme for methylation support?
L-5-MTHF provides standalone bioactive folate in flexible dosing options for folate status and methylation support. Homocysteine Supreme is a comprehensive formula combining methylated folate with additional nutrients specifically targeting homocysteine metabolism. Choose L-5-MTHF for focused, dose-flexible folate supplementation, or Homocysteine Supreme for comprehensive multi-nutrient homocysteine support.*
Why choose L-5-MTHF over standard folic acid?
Folic acid is the synthetic form that must undergo several conversion steps to become 5-MTHF, the form the body actually uses. Those with certain genetic variations may have difficulty completing this conversion, and unconverted folic acid may accumulate in the blood. L-5-MTHF provides the bioidentical active form that is ready for immediate use, bypassing all conversion steps.*
Who may benefit most from L-5-MTHF?
Individuals with genetic variations affecting folate conversion, those seeking to support healthy folate status and methylation, people wanting to maintain healthy homocysteine levels, and anyone preferring bioactive folate over synthetic folic acid for cardiovascular, neurological, detoxification, and reproductive health support.*
Practitioner Reference
L-5-MTHF is positioned within the Designs for Health Foundational Health category. Available as (120 capsules, 1,700 mcg DFE) and MTH500 (120 capsules, 8,500 mcg DFE). This product is intended for use under the guidance of a licensed health-care practitioner.