More and more dietary supplement manufacturers are using Active folate to replace folic acid nowdays.

However, there are so many kinds of different chemicals name, or similar name but totally different price and different function. Which “Apple” is the correct one? We’d like to take this chance to share more to help you make a right decision.

First of all, let’s introduce two concepts. 

i. Isomers

Methylfolate can be quickly manufactured as a material that has both the 6S and 6R isomers (or L and D respectively). These are chemically referred to as chiral molecules which are a bit like your Left and Right hand (very similar but not the same). One is usually considered the “active” ingredient in a compound and the other is often considered “inactive”. It takes extra processing steps to get rid of the inactive isomer in biochemical development (this means more time, equipment, money, labor, and therefore cost). Be sure your methylfolate is 100% 6S(L) isomer only – you do NOT want the inactive 6R(D) isomer contaminating your methylfolate as it may block up any folate receptors needing the active compound and render them ineffectual.

ii. Methylfolate and Methylfolate salt

What our body really need is L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate(L-5-MTHF). But we can’t absorb it if eat L-5-MTHF directly, hence, scientist made it into salt form. When we eat salt L-5-MTHF, it will be dissolved into Ionic form and be absorbed by ionic channel in our body. 

Remember, buy L-5-MTHF salt instead of L-5-MTHF. 

Magnafolate, patented C crystal calcium salt methylfolate, is really much reliable and safe for you.