We constantly spruik that the ingredients used in our personalised supplements are of the highest quality and most bioavailable form—but what does that actually mean?

It all started when I was diagnosed with postnatal depression. This led me to research what products I was taking and the impact they were having on my body. Little did I realise that I was consuming a version of folate (vitamin B9) that my body couldn’t actually absorb.

Approximately 40-60% of the population have a genetic mutation called the MTHFR gene, which hinders the body’s ability to convert vitamin B9 into folate—the form that the body can actually utilise.

What Is Methylfolate (5-MTHF)?

5-MTHF (5-methyltetrahydrofolate) is the active form of folate and doesn’t require further conversion by the body, making it the most bioavailable form. This form is essential because it plays a critical role in the methylation cycle, which is important for:

·   DNA synthesis and repair

·   Detoxification processes

·   Neurotransmitter production

·   Regulation of homocysteine levels (high levels of homocysteine are linked to heart disease) 

Since methylfolate is already in its active form, the body can immediately use it to support these vital processes, particularly for people with the MTHFR mutation who struggle to convert folic acid into usable folate.

What Is Folic Acid?

Folic acid is a synthetic form of vitamin B9 that needs to be converted by the enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) into its active form—5-MTHF—before it can be used by the body.

For individuals without the MTHFR gene mutation, this conversion is relatively smooth. However, for the 40-60% of the population who have the mutation, their ability to convert folic acid into usable folate is reduced. This can lead to unmet folate needs, leaving the body without sufficient active folate to support vital health processes.

Breaking It Down 

Folate is the equivalent of buying a beautifully made chair from a high-end store. You purchase it and can sit in it right away. It feels comfortable and can be put to use immediately.

Folic Acid is like buying a chair from Ikea. You will need to use different tools to put it together, not to mention the time it takes to build it. All this happens before you can even enjoy sitting in the chair.

Folic Acid with the MTHFR mutation is like buying a chair from Ikea and realising you are missing half the tools. Sure, you can try and make it work, but you’ll probably become exhausted trying to make it, and you’ll most likely end up with a wonky chair!

Here's a video of our Medical Advisor, Dr Miranda Myles, explaining it further.

Why Does This Matter for Your Health?

 The form of folate you take can have a big impact on your health. For people with the MTHFR mutation, using folic acid can lead to unmet needs, which might affect important bodily processes. This is why using the bioavailable form of folate, 5-MTHF, is essential.

For Pregnancy and Foetal Development

Folate is crucial for DNA replication and cell division, making it particularly important during pregnancy for foetal neural tube development. Insufficient folate during pregnancy can increase the risk of neural tube defects like spina bifida and anencephaly. Choosing the bioavailable form of folate ensures that pregnant women get the full benefits for both their own and their baby’s health, particularly if they have the MTHFR mutation.

For Mood and Mental Health

Folate also plays a critical role in the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which regulate mood. This is why methylfolate is often used in the treatment of depression, particularly for individuals with the MTHFR mutation. In some cases, people with MTHFR polymorphisms are at a higher risk of developing mood disorders like depression, especially if their folate status is insufficient.

So What Can You Do?

1. Get Tested for MTHFR

If you’re planning for pregnancy or have concerns about mood and mental health, it might be worth getting tested for the MTHFR mutation. Understanding whether you have this mutation can help guide your supplement choices, ensuring you’re using the right form of folate to meet your body’s needs.

If you have the MTHFR mutation, choosing supplements with 5-MTHF over folic acid is critical to ensure your body gets the bioavailable form of folate it needs to function optimally.

2. Try Asklé

The practitioners at Asklé only ever use the bioavailable form of folate, 5-MTHF, ensuring that you're accessing the full benefits of folate (vitamin B9) to support your DNA, mood, and overall health, no matter your genetic makeup.

Unlike synthetic folic acid, the 5-MTHF in Asklé’s formulations bypasses the conversion process, ensuring your body can readily absorb and use the nutrients it needs. This is especially important for individuals with the MTHFR mutation, who need the most bioavailable form of folate to avoid potential health issues related to folic acid supplementation.

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