6s-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate [Bio-Active Folate]
Indications
6s-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate (Bio-Active Folate) is used during pregnancy and lactation. For pregnant women, it helps prevent neural tube defect in babies. It is also given as a dietary supplement in adults and older people, and to prevent the risk of spontaneous abortions. In postmenopausal women, it is used to normalize homocystine, which contributes to helping hot flashes and the cardiovascular and bone health of aging women. Ultrafol is indicated for all of these uses. It is also indicated for folate deficiency caused by some medicines (e.g. those used to treat epilepsy, such as phenytoin, phenobarbital and primidone), and for folate deficiency caused by long term red blood cell damage or kidney dialysis. It is used as well in depression, cognitive impairment, dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
⚠️ Always consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.
Pharmacology
6s-5-methyltetrahydrofolate is a water-soluble vitamin B. In the body it works as a coenzyme or co-substrate in making DNA and RNA and in the metabolism of amino acids. Deficiency is common during pregnancy, and it may lead to fetal malformations such as neural tube defects. Inadequate maternal folate status has also been linked with low infant birth weight, preterm delivery and fetal growth retardation. Spina bifida and anencephaly are the most common neural tube defects (NTDs). Folic acid supplementation before conception and during the first trimester has been shown to reduce the recurrence of NTDs in women. Supplementation is used to treat megaloblastic anemia during pregnancy. 68-5-methyltetrahydrofolate is a fourth generation folate derivative, a new generation of folic acid derivative made up of 6S-5-methyltetrahydrofolate and glucosamine salt. It is readily active and has the added advantage of higher bioavailability, safety and stability.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Folic acid is considered safe and acceptable to use in pregnancy. It is actively secreted into breast milk. A breastfeeding mother may need supplements if poor eating habits have left her deficient and led to megaloblastic anemia. The American Academy of Pediatrics considers folic acid compatible with breast feeding.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Dosage Reference
⚠️ Reference ranges from official sources only. Consult your doctor for personalized dosing.
Side Effects & Interactions
Side Effects
No side-effect data recorded yet.