Product Detailed Description

liposomal L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate Calcium 70% — High Bioavailability Active Folate Supplement

Product Overview

Liposomal L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate Calcium 70% is a premium-grade dietary supplement ingredient delivering L-5-MTHF-Ca in an advanced liposomal delivery system. L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate calcium (CAS 151533-22-1), also known as levomefolate calcium, calcium L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate, or L-5-MTHF-Ca, is the calcium salt of L-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid. It is chemically characterized by the molecular formula C₂₀H₂₃CaN₇O₆·xH₂O (anhydrous formula weight 497.52) and is chemically designated as the calcium salt of N-[4-[[(2-amino-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-5-methyl-4-oxo-6-pteridinyl)methyl]amino]benzoyl]-L-glutamic acid. The compound occurs as a white to light yellowish, almost odorless, crystalline powder.

L-5-MTHF is the predominant naturally occurring folate in foods and the primary circulating form of folate in plasma. It is the biologically active form of folate that is directly utilized by the body without requiring enzymatic conversion by methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). This distinguishes L-5-MTHF from synthetic folic acid, which must undergo multiple enzymatic reduction steps to become biologically active. L-5-MTHF is essential for DNA synthesis and repair, red blood cell formation, amino acid metabolism, and the regulation of homocysteine levels. It is particularly important for individuals with MTHFR genetic polymorphisms, who may have reduced capacity to convert folic acid to its active form.

Why Liposomal Technology?

Conventional L-5-MTHF-Ca presents significant formulation and stability challenges. The compound is sensitive to light, pH variations, oxidative stress, thermal degradation, and fermentation conditions, which can compromise its stability during storage and digestive transit. Additionally, L-5-MTHF is susceptible to degradation in the gastrointestinal environment.

Liposomal encapsulation provides four critical advantages:

1. Dramatically Enhanced Stability and Retention — Multilayer liposome-loaded 5-MTHF exhibited better physical stability and >80% 5-MTHF retention under various conditions, including salt and pH variations, as well as oxidative, thermal, fermentation, and UV stress. The phospholipid bilayer shields L-5-MTHF from degradation during storage and gastrointestinal transit, preserving its intact molecular structure until reaching optimal absorption sites.

2. Enhanced Delivery to the Small Intestine — The liposomal delivery system enhances the delivery of 5-MTHF to the small intestine, where folate absorption occurs. In vitro digestion studies demonstrated that liposomal encapsulation protects 5-MTHF during gastric transit and facilitates its release in the small intestine.

3. Superior Bioavailability vs. Folic Acid — Studies consistently demonstrate that levomefolate calcium is at least as, and in some cases more, bioavailable than folic acid. Because L-5-MTHF is already in its active form, it bypasses the MTHFR-dependent conversion step, providing direct bioavailability for cellular metabolism.

4. Water-Dispersible and Clean-Label Compatible — The liposomal powder disperses in water to re-form a liposomal suspension, making it suitable for functional beverages and liquid formulations. The phospholipid carrier is plant-derived and non-GMO, supporting clean-label positioning.

Product Specifications

Key Features

• High Purity — Standardized to ≥70% L-5-MTHF-Ca in the liposomal formulation, with ≥95% (HPLC) assay available.

• Liposomal Enhancement — Multilayer liposome encapsulation achieves >80% 5-MTHF retention under salt, pH, oxidative, thermal, fermentation, and UV stress conditions, with enhanced delivery to the small intestine.

• Directly Active Folate Form — L-5-MTHF is the predominant naturally circulating form of folate that requires no MTHFR-dependent enzymatic conversion, providing direct bioavailability for cellular metabolism.

• Superior Bioavailability vs. Folic Acid — Studies consistently demonstrate that levomefolate calcium is at least as, and in some cases more, bioavailable than folic acid.

• MTHFR Polymorphism Support — L-5-MTHF provides a directly usable form of folate for individuals with reduced MTHFR enzyme activity, bypassing the metabolic bottleneck that limits folic acid utilization.

• Clinically Validated for Homocysteine Regulation — L-5-MTHF is a cofactor for methionine synthase, which converts homocysteine to methionine, supporting healthy homocysteine metabolism and cardiovascular health.

• Water-Dispersible — Liposomal powder disperses in water to re-form a liposomal suspension; suitable for capsules, tablets, powder drink mixes, and functional beverages.

• Batch Traceability — Complete COA, HPLC chromatogram, and identity data provided for each batch.

Application & Formulation Guidance

Recommended Dosage

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for folate is 400 mcg DFE/day for adults. For supplemental use with L-5-MTHF-Ca, the usual adult dose is 1 capsule (providing 1 mg folate as L-5-MTHF-Ca) once daily, preferably with a meal or as directed by a physician. For suspected deficiency, 0.4–1 mg/day orally is usually sufficient. For therapeutic applications, 5 mg/day orally may be used until hemoglobin recovers and MCV normalizes. Women who are planning pregnancy or could become pregnant should take 400–800 mcg of folate per day before becoming pregnant. Liposomal formulations may allow for more efficient utilization of lower doses due to enhanced bioavailability and protection from degradation.

Important Safety Information: L-5-MTHF-Ca is generally well tolerated at recommended doses. High-dose folate supplementation may mask vitamin B12 deficiency, and individuals with known vitamin B12 deficiency should consult a healthcare professional before use. L-5-MTHF-Ca may interact with certain medications, including methotrexate, phenytoin, and sulfasalazine. Pregnant or lactating women and children should consult a healthcare professional before use.