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Despite what most people would assume, the body does not actually use folic acid.  Instead, the body converts folic acid into various metabolites with one of the most important being L-5 methyltetrahydrofolate or L-5 MTHF.  L-5 MTHF is involved in many processes in the body, including the reduction of homocysteine, the detoxification of many toxins, as well as the production of many neurotransmitters.  A healthy mood and proper cognitive function are connected to an adequate supply of L-5 MTHF.  L-5 MTHF’s most important role may be that it is involved every time we make new cells—which is all the time.  L-5 MTHF helps the body make exact replicas with exact DNA matches, reducing one of the key concerns in cancer—mutations.

The problem with typical folic acid supplements is that many people (possibly 30% or more) have a genetic defect which limits their ability to convert folic acid into the activated form L-5 MTHF.  This defect is believed to be associated with an increases risk of certain cancers, depression, anxiety, bone density, and more.  Keep in mind that all these conditions are multi-factorial, so this genetic defect is considered just one of the many issues contributing to these conditions.  
Supplemental L-5 MTHF is a perfect way to provide the activated form of folic acid, bypassing this very serious genetic defect. 

400-800mcg per day of L-5 MTHF is recommended.




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