Kirkman’s new Advanced Adult Multivitamin/Mineral with 5-MTHF offers the same excellent blend of nutrients that are in our original formulation except that the folic acid form in this new product is 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF).  In addition, the vitamin B-12 concentration has been increased to ensure the proper absorption rate of the 5-MTHF.

Our new Advanced Adult Multivitamin/Mineral with 5-MTHF was formulated to offer 5-MTHF, which is a more active form of folate in the body than folic acid.  Most foods and dietary supplements contain folic acid, which is a synthetic form of vitamin B that is not biologically active in the body until it is converted to 5- Methyl tetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) and 5-Formyltetrahydrofolate (folinic acid), which are the active forms found in the liver and the gut.

In order for the folic acid to be converted to these biologically active forms in the body, a particular enzyme must be functioning normally.  This enzyme is called methyl tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR).  If this enzyme is functioning normally your body will convert the folic acid to the active forms. If certain mutations in the MTHFR gene are present, however, the conversion may not be complete, resulting in unmetabolized folic acid remaining in the body and incomplete utilization of the ingested folic acid.

There are approximately 40 mutations of the MTHFR gene in the body.  Certain mutations may interfere with the proper conversion of folic acid to its active forms.  This can lead to methyl folate deficiency and can lead to health problems and birth defects in newborns.  It is estimated that 10 to 25 percent of the population have a faulty MTHFR enzyme resulting in a 40-60 percent decreased ability to convert folic acid to its biologically active forms.

With those high percentages of the potential inadequacy of the folic acid conversion process, modern research is now indicating a possible change in how we supplement folic acid should be considered.  Rather than relying on the body’s natural processing of the folic acid conversion process, supplementing with an active form of folic acid is gaining momentum, especially in preconception and pregnancy.

Individuals with a mutation in the 5-MTHF reductase gene may benefit from Kirkman’s new Advanced Adult Multivitamin/Mineral. There are no known disadvantages of utilizing 5-MTHF as your folic acid source.

Folic acid helps the body manufacture healthy new cells.  Everyone needs folic acid to survive but getting enough folic acid is especially important for women intending to get pregnant or women already expecting.  Inadequate levels of folic acid before and during pregnancy may seriously affect pregnancy outcomes. Foods containing significant amounts of folic acid include leafy green vegetables, fruits, beans, peas and nuts.  In addition, enriched breads and cereals are fortified with folic acid.  Even with the food fortification, supplementation is generally required and recommended by all physicians and health professionals during the childbearing years.  The suggested daily requirement is 400 mcg. for the normal population, and 800 mcg. for pregnant or lactating women.