5-MTHF is a water-soluble vitamin B that is important for many bodily functions. This vitamin can be involved in DNA synthesis.* This process is responsible for repairing damaged DNA and making new DNA strands. 5-MTHF is often used to support healthy aging and telomeres.*

5-MTHF methylfolate

5-MTHF methylfolate is as methylated form of folate. Methylfolate is also one the preferred forms of folate in the body. It may help the body make new red blood cells and defend against anemia (study).* It could also help the body convert food into energy.* 

5-MTHF can also be involved in tissue repair and the conversion of homocysteine to methionine.* 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate is one of the main forms of folate and can significantly influence levels of homocysteine concentrations (study).*

What is homocysteine?

Homocysteine is an amino acid that is produced when the body breaks down protein. It is also found in some foods, including meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. Homocysteine is a normal part of the human body, but high levels may indicate a health problem.

What's methionine?

Methionine is an amino acid that is important for protein synthesis, energy production, and immune function.

5-MTHF deficiency

5-MTHF is also essential for energy production and immune function. Unfortunately, some people may be deficient in this vitamin, which might lead in some specific cases to fatigue, and some mental health diseases, including anxiety (study).* 

The link between MTHF and MTHFR

MTHF and MTHFR are both involved in the metabolism of folate. MTHF is the form of folate that is active in the body, while MTHFR is the enzyme that converts MTHF to its inactive form. 

Both of these factors are necessary for the proper function of the body's metabolism.*

Now let's turn our attention to MTHFR.

What's MTHFR?

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is an enzyme that helps metabolize folate. Folate is important for cell division and DNA synthesis. MTHFR polymorphisms, or mutations, are changes in the gene that codes for this enzyme. 

Polymorphisms

These polymorphisms can decrease the activity of enzymes and may be associated with an increased risk of certain conditions.

Polymorphisms in the MTHFR gene are relatively common. In fact, about 25 percent of Caucasians might have at least one copy of a polymorphism in this gene. However, most people with these polymorphisms don't have any related health problems.

MTHFR polymorphisms are relatively common, and most people who have them don't experience any health problems. However, these polymorphisms have been linked to an increased risk of certain diseases and conditions (MedlinePlus). 

Some of the possible conditions related to this genetic change may include:

• Homocystinuria*
• Age-related hearing loss*
• Anencephaly*
• Hypertension*
• Psychiatric disorders*

If you have concerns about your risk of developing a condition related to an MTHFR polymorphism, talk to your doctor.

Let's turn our attention to another form of vitamin B, methylcobalamin. Some supplements formula offer the combination of both 5-MTHF methylfolate methylcobalamin, and sometime L-theanine HCL.

Methylcobalamin

Methylcobalamin may be used to help supplement vitamin B12 deficiency for specific populations (study).* Methylcobalamin is a form of vitamin B12. It may also be used to treat certain types of nerve damage, such as peripheral neuropathy. Ultra-high doses of methylcobalamin may play a role in nerve regeneration (study).*

Methylcobalamin vitamin B12 is usually taken by mouth as a tablet, capsule, or powder.

If you are using methylcobalamin at home, follow all instructions your healthcare professional provides. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or longer than your doctor recommends.

Foods rich in Vitamin B12

Several of the food we eat are rich in vitamin B12 include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products. In addition, fortified breakfast cereals and some plant-based milk may also contain vitamin B12. You could get enough vitamin B12 from food alone when following a proper diet regimen.

In conclusion, both 5-MTHF methylfolate and methylcobalamin supplements are available in pill form, liquid or as a powder that you can add to water or juice. 

As always, talk to your doctor before taking any supplements. Get professional advice if you think you might need a 5-MTHF methylfolate or methylcobalamin supplement or are already taking one to ensure you're not exceeding the amounts you may need. You can aslo read more about vitamin B complex.