Ingredient Active Folate

What is Active Folate?

Active folate — also called (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolate or 5-MTHF — is the biologically active form of vitamin B9 (folate). Unlike folic acid, the synthetic form commonly used in supplements and fortified foods, active folate is the form that participates directly in the methylation cycle and does not require enzymatic conversion by the liver. This distinction is significant because a substantial proportion of the population has reduced activity of the enzyme (MTHFR) required to convert folic acid to active folate.

Folate is essential for one-carbon metabolism, a biochemical pathway that underpins DNA and RNA synthesis, amino acid metabolism, and cellular methylation processes. Active folate works in concert with vitamin B12 in the methionine synthase reaction to regenerate methionine and maintain the body's methylation capacity — a process that is fundamental to cell division, gene expression, and homocysteine regulation. During pregnancy, folate requirements increase substantially to support maternal tissue growth and foetal development, particularly the formation of the neural tube.

EFSA-approved health benefits

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has confirmed that folate:

• contributes to normal maternal tissue growth during pregnancy
• contributes to normal amino acid synthesis
• contributes to normal blood formation
• contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism
• contributes to normal psychological function
• contributes to the normal function of the immune system
• contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
• contributes to normal cell division

Why we use Active Folate in Nutri-Leaf formulas

Nutri-Leaf Vitamin B Complex uses the active form of folate — (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolate — rather than folic acid. This active form is immediately available to the body for methylation and cell division processes, regardless of MTHFR enzyme status. By choosing the active form, we ensure that every individual can benefit fully from this essential B vitamin without relying on conversion pathways that may be compromised by genetic variations.

Products containing Active Folate

The Nutri-Leaf product featuring active folate is Vitamin B Complex, which provides all eight B vitamins at 100% NRV per capsule in active, bioavailable forms including 5-MTHF (active folate), methylcobalamin (B12), and pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (B6).

Learn more about the role of active B vitamins in energy and homocysteine metabolism on our Energy & Vitality and Healthy Aging guides. Visit the Ingredient Philosophy page for more on our active-form approach.

Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet and a healthy lifestyle.