Folate and folic acid for use in Australian listed medicines

Folate, or vitamin B9, is an essential vitamin required by the human body for normal growth and development as it plays a critical role in the synthesis of DNA and RNA, and in the metabolism of certain amino acids.

The term "folate" is actually a generic name for a group of related compounds with similar nutritional properties. The three most commonly used forms are folic acid, calcium folinate and levomefolate salts. All three forms can be incorporated into the body's metabolic pathways and may provide sources of the same biologically active form of folate – a compound known as 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) or levomefolic acid.

Folic Acid:

Folic acid is the most common form of Vitamin B9 and is a synthetic compound that must be metabolised by the body before it can be used. It is converted by the body first to dihydrofolate (DHF), then tetrahydrofolate (THF) and finally to the biologically active form, levomefolic acid.

Folate and folic acid for use in Australian listed medicines
Folinic Acid:
Folinic acid, also known as 5-formyltetrahydrofolate or leucovorin, is a formyl derivative of THF. It exists in two isomeric forms, and only the 6S-isomer is converted to THF and then levomefolic acid/ 5-MTHF. As a result, unless provided as purified 6S-isomer it does not provide a 1:1 molar equivalent source of folate relative to folic acid.

Levomefolate Calcium Salt:
Levomefolic acid, also known as 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) is the biologically active form of folate and the form found in circulation. It does not require enzymatic conversion and can be utilised directly by the body.

For more details, please refer to the link: https://www.tga.gov.au/folate-and-folic-acid-use-listed-medicines
Previous:New Player In Folate Industry Next:The Link Between MTHFR Folate Metabolism Gene and Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension
Let's talk

We're Here to Help

Contact Us
 

展开
TOP