Levomefolate Calcium (CAS: 151533-22-1)

What is Levomefolate Calcium

Levomefolate Calcium(or Calcium L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate) is a biologically active form of folate, also known as vitamin B9 or folic acid. As the calcium salt of Levomefolate, it is often used as a dietary supplement and medicine to address folate deficiency and support various physiological functions.

L-5-MTHF-Ca is chemically known as calcium (6S)-N-[4-[(2-amino-5-methyl-4-oxo-1,6,7,8-tetrahydropteridin-6-yl)methylamino]benzoyl]-L -glutamate. It is derived from the natural form of folate found in various foods. Its appearance is White to light yellowish crystalline powder. Cas registration number 151533-22-1.

Levomefolate calcium salt plays a very important role in supporting various biochemical processes in the body, preventing folic acid deficiency, and addressing certain medical conditions, so it becomes one of the important compounds in the field of nutrition and medicine.

Methylfolate calcium salt Biological/Chemical Reaction

Methylfolate calcium salt participates in many important chemical and biological reactions in the human body, mainly including the following aspects:

1. One-Carbon Metabolism: Levomefolate calcium is involved in one-carbon metabolism, a series of interrelated biochemical reactions that utilize folic acid as a cofactor.
2. Methionine Synthesis: L-folinate plays a role in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine.
3. Purine and pyrimidine synthesis: L-folate is required for the de novo synthesis of purine and pyrimidine nucleotides (the building blocks of DNA and RNA).
4. Amino Acid Metabolism: L-methylfolate participates in the metabolism of a variety of amino acids, including serine, glycine, and histidine.
5. Neurotransmitter synthesis: Folates (including levofolate) are required for the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters play a vital role in mood regulation, cognition, and overall brain function.
6. Epigenetic Modifications: L-methylfolate is involved in epigenetic processes, and modifications to DNA and chromatin that can affect gene expression without altering the DNA sequence.

Uses of Calcium L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate

Calcium L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate has several important uses and applications, primarily in the field of medicine and healthcare:

1. Dietary Supplement: Levomefolate calcium is commonly used as a dietary supplement to provide the body with an active and readily usable form of folate.
2. Folate Deficiency Treatment: Levomefolate calcium salt is prescribed to individuals with folate deficiency, which can occur due to inadequate dietary intake, certain medical conditions, or medications that interfere with folate absorption.
3. Pregnancy Support: L-5-MTHF-Ca is often prescribed to pregnant women to meet their increased folate needs and reduce the risk of birth defects.
4. Methotrexate Therapy: Methylfolate calcium salt is used as an adjunct to methotrexate therapy in certain medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.
5. Depression Management: l methylfolate calcium salt has been studied as an adjunctive treatment for depression, particularly for individuals who have a specific genetic mutation (MTHFR gene mutation) that affects their ability to metabolize folic acid efficiently.
6. Cardiovascular Health: Adequate folate intake, including through calcium l 5 mthf supplementation, is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.

L-5-MTHF-Ca Preparation Method

Levomefolate calcium is synthesized through chemical processes. Here is a general outline of the preparation method:

Starting Materials:

pteridine ring structure
p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA)
L-glutamic acid
Calcium source (e.g., calcium carbonate)

Synthesis Steps:

a. Pteridine Ring Formation:

The pteridine ring structure is synthesized using a series of chemical reactions. This involves the condensation of p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) with other precursor molecules to form the pteridine ring.

b. Addition of Glutamic Acid:

L-glutamic acid is added to the pteridine ring structure through condensation reactions. This step results in the formation of the active form of folate.

c. Conversion to Levomefolate Calcium:

Levomefolate, in its free form, is a relatively unstable compound. To improve stability and enhance absorption, it is converted into its calcium salt form (levomefolate calcium salt).

Purification and Formulation:

The synthesized calcium L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate undergoes purification steps to remove any impurities.

It’s important to note that the actual synthesis of L-5-MTHF-Ca may involve multiple steps and specific chemical reactions that require expertise in organic chemistry. Therefore, if you need Levomefolate Calcium of high quality and purity, please contact us by email, Nature Micron will provide you with free samples for testing and professional technical support.

Levomefolate Calcium Safety and Risk

Levomefolate Calcium. It is generally considered safe when used properly. But it’s important to understand the safety precautions for levomefolate calcium and the potential risks associated with its use:

Safety Considerations:

1. Purity and Quality: The purity and quality of levomefolate calcium supplements are crucial.
2. Dosage Accuracy: Proper dosage is essential to ensure the intended benefits and to avoid excessive intake. Incorrect dosing could lead to unintended effects or interactions with other nutrients.
3. Storage: Exposure to moisture, heat, or sunlight could affect its stability and effectiveness.

Chemical Risks:

1. Interactions with Other Nutrients: High doses of calcium L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate may affect the absorption or utilization of other B vitamins, especially vitamin B12.
2. Masking B12 Deficiency: High doses of folate, including methylfolate calcium salt, can mask a vitamin B12 deficiency.
3. Cancer Risk: High doses of folic acid supplements may be associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, particularly when taken long-term.

Levomefolate Calcium Salt Research and Future Development

Here are some key areas of chemical research and potential future developments related to levomefolate calcium:

1. Folate Metabolism and Bioavailability Studies:

Researchers continue to explore how calcium L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate is metabolized and utilized in the body, especially in comparison to other forms of folate. Understanding its absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion helps optimize dosing and ensures effective supplementation.

2. Clinical Efficacy Studies:

Research into the clinical efficacy of L-5-MTHF-Ca involves investigating its role in managing conditions associated with folate deficiency.

3. Potential Neurological Benefits:

Methylfolate calcium salt has been studied for its potential neuroprotective effects, particularly in conditions like major depressive disorder and cognitive decline.

4. Combination Therapies:

Combining l methylfolate calcium salt with other nutrients or medications is an area of interest. For instance, combining it with vitamin B12 might enhance its neuroprotective effects and minimize the risk of masking a B12 deficiency.

5. Cardiovascular Health:

Research into the potential role of calcium l 5 mthf in reducing cardiovascular risk factors, such as homocysteine levels, continues.