Folic acid is the most common form of folate supplements. Once ingested, your body is supposed to convert folic acid, a synthetic version of folate, into 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, or 5-MTHF. But research shows that many people lack sufficient activity of the enzyme that’s necessary to convert folic acid to 5-MTHF. A more useful approach is to take 5-MTHF directly. 5-MTHF, homocysteine & cardiovascular health Folate helps maintain healthy homocysteine levels already within the normal range. By helping to inhibit excess homocysteine, folate supports healthy levels of this important cardiovascular health biomarker. And 5-MTHF has been shown to be more bioavailable than folic acid in some studies. 5-MTHF, homocysteine & cognitive health 5-MTHF’s greater bioavailability is especially important for people who don’t have enough activity of the enzyme necessary to convert folic acid to its biologically active form. Since people with elevated homocysteine levels have a greater risk of cognitive decline, the increased efficiency of 5-MTHF in supporting healthy folate status is especially crucial for aging individuals. Take alone or with B12 for enhanced effect The RDA for folate for non-pregnant or lactating adults is 400 mcg a day, but this high-potency formula provides 8500 mcg of this super-bioavailable form of folate. For even greater health benefits, take 5-MTHF folate with methylcobalamin (the active form of vitamin B12), vitamin B6 and/or riboflavin.