Question 1

Is this the same as L-methyl Folate?

Accepted Answer

It's not exactly the same. The difference between Quatrefolic® and the calcium salt-based methylfolate forms is that the maker, Gnosis, bound the (6S) isomer of 5-MTHF (the “active nutritive ingredient” we care most about) to a different kind of salt molecule. Instead of using calcium salt, they use a glucosamine salt molecule. In 2010, Gnosis was officially recognized and approved by the FDA for its L-Methylfolate, Quatrefolic®, which is officially labeled as (6S)-5-Methylfolate, glucosamine salt.

Quatrefolic® is said to be 99.9% pure, which again, just means that 99.9% of the 5-MTHF ingredient is made up of the glucosamine salt molecule that the (6S) isomer is bound to. However, when you ingest Quatrefolic®, the glucosamine salt molecule dissolves and the first pass absorption rate is only about 54-59%. So only about 56% of the (6S) isomer becomes available for absorption (the “active nutritive ingredient” that your body can use).

This means that 1mg of Quatrefolic® equals approximately 0.56 mg of the active (6S)-5-MTHF (bioactive “free methylfolate”) that can be absorbed. So, with this version of methylfolate, you’re actually getting less of the actual (6S) isomer per mg of ingredient after the first pass absorption than you are with a calcium salt-based version. This means that, by weight, you would need more Quatrefolic® to equal the same amount of the effective (6S)-5-MTHF that a calcium salt-based version (like Metafolin®) contains.

It is definitely worth noting, however, that the Quatrefolic® brand has been proven to get absorbed into the bloodstream faster than the Metafolin® brand, so this is something you may see marketed in products selling Quatrefolic®. When marketing notes that Quatrefolic® is “the most bioavailable methylfolate,” this just means it becomes available faster for the body to absorb.

This faster absorption rate may make a difference in how one feels symptomatically when taking Quatrefolic® vs. Metafolin®: you could experience positive or negative methylation results faster. I have heard of some people encountering side effects based on one vs. the other salt type. So just be aware as you take your methylfolate that you may be fine with one salt type and have trouble with the other (or you may be fine with both!). Pay attention to your body and switch to a different type if you think the salt version might be causing you problems.

Question 2

Where are the supplement facts?  ALL the ingredients?

Accepted Answer

There on the back of the bottle. 400 mcg of folate. Other ingredients is cellulose, magnesium stearate and gelatin.  Hope this helps.  It's also the kind that is better absorbed than straight folate. Caio

Question 3

How soon wiill I begin to notice improvement in my anxiety level?  I've been taking if for 4 days and I don't really notice anything much yet.Thanks

Accepted Answer

It may also depend on how deficient you are. I have borderline macrocytosis thought to be due to b12/folate deficiency. I noticed a huge difference in mood the first day I took a sublingual methylb12/methylfolate combo. I hadn't known it could effect mood when I started it, just hemodynamics, so I don't feel placebo effect was a factor. My brother with similar genetic predispositions did not notice a difference in the first 6 days he tried it, but he does not have obvious blood abnormalities indicating deficiency. I wish I'd started and kept taking it at his age before I had as much impact as now. Good luck

Question 4

Where is this produced? What is the country of origin?

Accepted Answer

The bottle reads "Distributed Exclusively by Jarrow Formulas". It does not indicate origin so you would have to contact them www.jarrow.com.

Jarrow Formulas Extra Strength Methyl Folate 400 mcg, Dietary Supplement for Cardiovascular and Neurologic Health Support, 60 Veggie Capsules, 60 Day Supply

Details

Description

Have a Question? See What Others Asked

Common Questions