If you have a folate deficiency, your doctor has most likely prescribed you a supplement. When you get folate from foods or from a supplement, your body changes it into 5-MTHF, the active form of folate that is then used in the methylation cycle. This cycle controls a number of different systems in the body,it’s absolutely vital.
Unfortunately, some people have a specific genetic mutation that makes it difficult for their bodies to create 5-MTHF from food sources. Others suffer from issues such as inflammatory bowel disease or liver issues, while others have to take certain medications that interfere with 5-MTHF production. That’s why doctors often prescribe 5-MTHF supplements. But which supplement is the right one for you?
There are a number of different options out there. These supplements can be classified as either calcium salt-based or Glucosamine salt-based.
Calcium Salt-Based
Metafolin was the first 5-MTHF supplement,it’s still a valid option today. It’s available by prescription only, though. There are some other supplements that you can get over the counter many of which are just as helpful to the body. 1 mg of Metafolin translates to about 0.76 mg of 5-MTHF, with the rest of the supplement containing watercalcium salt.
Magnafolate-C is another calcium salt-based option. It’s similar to Metafolinhas the same 1 mg to 0.76 mg conversion rate. It uses a different type of molecule, however, that research has determined is more soluble than the one used in Metafolin. This means that it enters your bloodstream more quickly. Magnafolate-C is available over the counter.
There are a number of other generic calcium salt-based options on the market, too. Many of these are also available over the counterare similar to MetafolinMangafolate-C. However, some do convert to a lower amount of 5-MTHF, which means you have to take more of them to see the same results.
Glucosamine Salt-Based Options
There is currently one Glucosamine salt-based 5-MTHF supplement: Quatrefolic 5-MTHF. The difference between itthe calcium salt-based options is that it has a different active ingredient. It makes use of a Glucosamine salt molecule. When you take Quatrefolic 5-MTHF, this molecule dissolves quickly. The body is only able to absorb around 56% of the Glucosamine salt molecule, however, so 1 mg of Quatrefolic 5-MTHF equals about 0.56 of 5-MTHF.
The biggest advantage Quatrefolic 5-MTHF has over other options is that it is absorbed more quickly. Your body can begin converting it into 5-MTHF faster than other options. Some patients have reported feeling better more quickly when they take Quatrefolic than when taking Metafolin or other, similar options.
So which type of supplement is the best one for you? It truly depends on how you feel when you take the supplement. Some people have experienced negative side effects from calcium salt-based options, while others may not do as well on Glucosamine salt-based supplements. Test both of themsee which works for you.
