The body's conversion of synthetic, inactive folic acid is a multi-step biochemical process that occurs in the intestines and liver. In the presence of intestinal or liver dysfunction this conversion may not be sufficient to meet the body's needs.
In concert with vitamin B12, 5-MTHF functions as a methyl-group donor involved in the conversion of amino acid homocysteine to methionine. Methyl-group donation is vital to many biochemical processes, including the synthesis of serotonin, melatonin and DNA. 5-MTHF is also involved in production of the catechalomine neurotransmitters (dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine) and the production of beneficial nitric oxide in vascula endothelial cells, which promotes health blood vessel function.
Folate contributes to:
- maternal tissue growth during pregnancy
- plays a role in the process of cell division
- contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
- contributes to normal blood formation
- normal amino acid synthesis
- normal homocysteine metabolism
- normal psychological function