Vitamin B9 (5-Methyltetrahydrofolate)
Other names for Vitamin B9 (5-Methyltetrahydrofolate)
5-methyletrahydrofolate
5 methyltetrahydrofolate
5-methyl tetrahydrofolate
5-methyltetrahydrofolate
5-methyltetrahydrofolate biofolate
5-methyltetrahydrofolate calcium
5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt
5-methyl-tetrahydrofolic acid
5\'-methyltetrahydrofolic acid
5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid, glucosamine salt
5-mthf
(6s)-5-methylfolate
(6s) 5-methyltetrahydrofolate
(6s)-5-methyltetrahydrofolate
[6s]-5-methyltetrahydrofolate
(6s)-5-methyltetrahydrofolate acid
(6s)-5-methyltetrahydrofolate-glucosamine salt
(6s)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid
[6s]-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid
[6s]-5- methyltetrahydrofolic acid
(6s)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid, calcium salt
(6s)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid glucosamine salt
(6s)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid salt
(6s)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic calcium
6(s)-5-mthe
(6s)-5-mthf
6(s)-5-mthf-ca
(6s)-n5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid
(6s)-n5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid calcium salt
biofolate
calcium 5-methyltetrahydrofolate
calcium l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate
calcium-l-5 methyltetrahydrofolate
calcium-l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate
calcium l-5-mthf
calcium-l-methylfolate
calcium salt, l-5-methylfolate
folate
folate/5-mthf
folic acid
from 26 mg (6r,s)-5-methyltetrahydrofolate
from 39 mg (6r,s)-5-methyltetrahydrofolate
from 5-methyltetrahydrofolate
l-5 methylfolate
l-5-methylfolate
l-5 methyl tetrahydrofolate
l-5 methyltetrahydrofolate
l-5-methyl tetrahydrofolate
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate
l-5 methyltetrahydrofolate calcium
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate calcium
l-5\' methyl-tetra-hydrofolate calcium
l-5 methyltetrahydrofolic acid
l-5 methyltetrahydrofolic acid calcium salt
l-5 methyltetrahydrofolic acid, glucosamine salt
l-5 mthf
l-5-mthf
l5-mthf
l-methyfolate
l-methylfolate
l-methylfolate calcium
l-methylfolate-calcium
l-methylfolate calcium, or 6(s)-5-mthf-ca
l-methylfolate calcium salt
l-methylfolate glucosamine
l-methylfolate or 6(s)-5-mthe
l-methyltetrahydrofolate
l-methyltetrahydrofolate calcium
metafolin
metafolin l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate
metafolin l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate calcium salt
metafolin l-methylfolate
metafolin(r)
metafolin(r) l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate
methyl folate
methylfolate
methyltetrafolate
methyltetrahydrofolate calcium salt
mthf
quatrefolic 5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt
quatrefolic (6s)-5-methyltetrahydrofolate
quatrefolic (6s)-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt
quatrefolic (6s)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid
(s6)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid
vitamin b9
Synopsis of Vitamin B9 (5-Methyltetrahydrofolate)
History
Vitamin B9, commonly known as folate or in its active form as 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), has a rich history in medicinal and nutritional contexts. Although the isolation and identification of folate occurred in the 20th century, foods naturally rich in folate—such as leafy greens and legumes—have been staples in traditional diets for centuries, often linked to improved vitality and wellness. Historically, herbal remedies featuring these folate-dense plants were used to address conditions now recognized as related to folate deficiency, such as anemia and fatigue. For example, ancient healers recommended nettles, spinach, and lentils to promote robust blood health and support recovery from illness.
With the discovery of folate’s crucial role in DNA synthesis and cell division, its use in medicine expanded significantly. In the early 20th century, folic acid supplementation became a cornerstone in preventing and treating megaloblastic anemia, particularly in pregnant women. This helped dramatically reduce birth defects such as neural tube defects, making vitamin B9 a cornerstone of prenatal care. Today, the bioactive form—5-MTHF—is preferred in many nutritional products due to its superior absorption and efficacy, especially among individuals with genetic variations affecting folate metabolism.
Herbal combinations often leverage vitamin B9-rich botanicals alongside other complementary nutrients and phytonutrients. Blends with vitamin B12, iron, and vitamin C enhance its benefits, contributing to energy, healthy red blood cell formation, and overall vitality. These combinations underscore the enduring value of vitamin B9 in supporting holistic health, demonstrating its positive and transformative impact throughout history and in modern wellness regimens.
Traditional and scientific validation
Vitamin B9, also known as folate, is an essential water-soluble vitamin critical for DNA synthesis, cell division, and overall growth and development. The bioactive form, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), represents the predominant circulating form of folate in the human body and is increasingly used in nutritional products due to its superior bioavailability compared to traditional folic acid.
Historically, folate deficiency has been linked to a range of health concerns, most notably neural tube defects (NTDs) in infants. Landmark studies in the late 20th century demonstrated that periconceptional folic acid supplementation significantly reduces the risk of NTDs, prompting mandatory food fortification in many countries and establishing the crucial role of vitamin B9 in prenatal nutrition. More recent clinical research suggests that 5-MTHF may be especially beneficial for individuals with genetic polymorphisms (such as MTHFR mutations) that impair folic acid metabolism, thus ensuring more efficient utilization within the body.
Beyond prenatal health, 5-MTHF has been investigated for its potential in supporting cardiovascular health by lowering homocysteine levels, a risk factor for heart disease. Some studies also indicate possible roles in cognitive function and mood regulation, though these areas require further robust clinical validation. Importantly, 5-MTHF supplementation avoids the accumulation of unmetabolized folic acid, which is a concern with high-dose folic acid intake.
While more research is required to fully elucidate all the benefits and long-term safety of 5-MTHF, current scientific evidence supports its use as a well-tolerated and effective form of vitamin B9, particularly for individuals with increased needs or impaired folic acid metabolism.
Vitamin B9 (5-Methyltetrahydrofolate) is used for these health conditions
Anemia (Scientific)
Birth Defects (prevention) (Scientific)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Dementia (Scientific)
Depression (Scientific)
Infertility (Scientific)
Memory and Brain Function (Scientific)
Miscarriage (prevention) (Scientific)
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for) (Scientific)
Vitamin B9 (5-Methyltetrahydrofolate) is used to support these body systems
Blood (Scientific)
Brain (Scientific)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Scientific)
Immune System (Scientific)
Reproductive System (Scientific)