NOW: Methyl Folate 1000mcg 90 Tabs

Methyl Folate 1000mcg - 90 Tabs



by   NOW FOODS
*MSRP:
$21.99
Our Price:
$13.20
Buy: at $13.20
(3 for $ 13.19ea. = $ 39.57 ) 40% OFF MSRP
UPC: 733739004918
# N0491

Product Overview & Quick Specs

Think of synthetic folic acid like raw timber that requires four separate sawmills before your body can use it. NOW® Methyl Folate delivers pre-finished lumber in the form of Quatrefolic® (chemical formula: C32H51N9O16), the biologically active glucosamine salt of (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolate [1, 2]. This bioavailable coenzyme form enters your bloodstream immediately, bypassing metabolic roadblocks to support natural cellular methylation, red blood cell synthesis, and cardiovascular health [1, 3].

Quick Specs Snapshot

  • ✓ Active Form & Potency: 1,700 mcg DFE [1,000 mcg active (6S)-5-MTHF] from patented Quatrefolic® glucosamine salt per single tablet (425% DV).
  • ✓ Primary Target: One-carbon methylation cycles, cellular DNA synthesis, and homocysteine recycling into beneficial methionine [1, 3].
  • ✓ Supply & Value: 90 tablets per bottle provide a full 3-month supply of clinical-strength bioactive folate for pennies a day.
  • ✓ Purity & Dietary Status: 100% Vegan, Non-GMO, and free of wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, and sesame.

Buyer's Guide & Form Comparison

Why the Quatrefolic® Form Matters

Most low-cost commodity brands sold in big box stores use cheap synthetic folic acid. Your body must push synthetic folic acid through four distinct enzymatic conversions, culminating in the MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) enzyme [1, 2]. Up to 40% of the population carries genetic variations that slow this enzyme down, leaving unconverted folic acid circulating in the blood while cells remain starved of active folate [2, 4].

Earlier active folate supplements used calcium salts of 5-MTHF, which break down rapidly in humid conditions and dissolve poorly in stomach acid [2]. NOW® uses fourth-generation Quatrefolic®, which binds (6S)-5-MTHF to a natural glucosamine salt [2]. Think of this glucosamine binding like a protective, water-loving life raft: it dissolves over 100 times more easily in water than old calcium salts, ensuring rapid intestinal absorption without requiring digestive enzyme conversion [1, 2].

Is This Formula Right for You?

Best Choice For:

  • ✓ MTHFR Enzyme Variations: Individuals carrying common C677T or A1298C genetic polymorphisms who cannot efficiently convert synthetic folic acid [1, 2].
  • ✓ Cardiovascular & Homocysteine Support: Adults seeking targeted nutritional support to recycle circulating homocysteine into beneficial methionine [1, 3].
  • ✓ Mood & Neurotransmitter Balance: Individuals looking to supply active methyl donors that cross the blood-brain barrier to fuel dopamine and serotonin synthesis [3, 4].

Consider Another Option If:

  • ✗ Mild Low-Dose Daily Maintenance: If you only need baseline dietary support, a balanced 400 mcg daily multi-nutrient formula is more economical.
  • ✗ Unmonitored Vitamin B-12 Deficiency: Taking high-potency folate alone can mask hematological symptoms of underlying low B-12 status; pair with Vitamin B-12 if status is unknown [3, 4].
  • ✗ Taking Specific Anticonvulsant Medications: Adults using methotrexate, phenytoin, phenobarbital, or primidone should consult their physician before starting high-potency methyl folate.

Store Guarantee: Every purchase is backed by VitaNet®, LLC's 31-year reputation and unconditional 100% money-back guarantee (even on opened bottles), allowing customers to evaluate digestive tolerance risk-free[cite: 1].

How It Works in the Body

1. The Molecular Relay Race (One-Carbon Metabolism)

Think of cellular methylation like a 24-hour postal shipping hub passing sorting tags between conveyors. In biochemistry, these sorting tags are single carbon units called methyl groups (-CH3) [1, 3]. NOW® Methyl Folate delivers (6S)-5-MTHF, which carries this methyl tag directly into the enzyme methionine synthase [1]. It hands the tag over to convert homocysteine—a natural protein breakdown byproduct—into beneficial methionine [1, 3]. Methionine then fuels the production of SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine), your body's universal master methyl donor [1, 4].

2. Cellular Blueprint Replication (DNA & RNA Synthesis)

Think of your cellular DNA like a printed construction blueprint. Every time your body creates new tissues, bone marrow cells, or gut linings, it must print millions of exact genetic copies [1, 3]. Active folate donates vital carbon atoms required to assemble purines and thymidylate, the physical building blocks of DNA and RNA [3]. By providing 1,000 mcg of pre-activated 5-MTHF, this formula ensures fast-dividing cells have the raw materials to reproduce accurately and efficiently [1].

3. Crossing the Blood-Brain Barrier (Neurotransmitter Support)

Think of the blood-brain barrier like a guarded high-security gatehouse that turns away synthetic molecules. Synthetic folic acid cannot effectively cross this gate in active form, but (6S)-5-MTHF passes through specialized folate receptors directly into central nervous system tissue [2, 4]. Inside brain cells, it fuels the regeneration of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), an essential co-factor needed to synthesize serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine for stable mood and focus [4].

Daily Timing, Synergy & Realistic Timelines

Best Time to Take & Daily Schedule

Take 1 tablet daily, preferably in the morning or early afternoon with a meal. While water-soluble vitamins can absorb on an empty stomach, taking your tablet with food stimulates natural gastric juices, promoting gentle and complete tablet breakdown. Because methylation actively stimulates cellular energy pathways, taking it early in the day prevents potential evening alertness.

Smart Pairings & Spacing Rules

  • ✓ Mandatory Synergistic Partner (Vitamin B-12): Methyl folate works hand-in-hand with active Vitamin B-12 (methylcobalamin) [1, 3]. Stacking them ensures the methionine synthase enzyme functions smoothly and prevents the “folate trap” [3].
  • ✓ Two-Hour Separation Window: Space this tablet at least 2 hours apart from bile acid sequestrants (cholestyramine) or stomach acid reducers, as altered intestinal pH can reduce mucosal uptake.

What to Expect Over Time

Days 1–7: Rapid cellular uptake. Active 5-MTHF dissolves effortlessly in digestive fluids, entering systemic circulation to replenish depleted circulating folate pools [1, 2].

Weeks 3–4: Deep tissue saturation. Red blood cell folate stores rise, supporting healthy cellular division and stabilizing homocysteine recycling cycles [1, 3].

Months 2–3+: Cumulative metabolic stability. Consistent methylation provides ongoing cardiovascular support, steady neurotransmitter synthesis, and robust DNA replication [1, 4].

Physical Feel, Sensory Traits & Clean Ingredients

Pill Format & Ease of Use

NOW® Methyl Folate 1,000 mcg is compressed into an ultra-small, round tablet. Unlike oversized horse pills, this tiny micro-tablet glides down effortlessly with a single swallow of water (H2O). For individuals with swallowing hesitation, the tablet can be easily split with a standard pill cutter or crushed into applesauce without degrading the heat-stable glucosamine molecule.

Natural Aroma, Taste & Color

The tablet is virtually odorless and neutral in taste when swallowed promptly. Because NOW avoids artificial bleaches and chemical pigments, natural color variation from off-white to pale tan-speckled is completely normal and reflects pure raw material crystallization.

Other Ingredients Explained

Proper Storage & Protection

Store in a cool, dry place after opening. Keep the cap tightly sealed and protect the bottle from excessive heat and direct sunlight. While Quatrefolic® is significantly more room-temperature stable than older calcium folates, keeping moisture out of the bottle protects the active coenzymes over their full 90-day use.

Manufacturer Quality & Lab Testing Standards

Many discount brands sold in big box stores purchase cheap commodity powders from unverified brokers without finished-product testing. These discount supplements are frequently loaded with heavy metal contaminants, unlisted chemical binders, and under-dosed active ingredients. NOW Foods operates two of the most advanced, privately owned analytical laboratories in North America, accredited under ISO/IEC 17025:

✓ ICP-MS Heavy Metal Testing (Parts-Per-Billion Precision)

Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, NOW chemists screen every batch of raw ingredients down to single parts-per-billion (ppb) limits for toxic heavy metals, including lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury.

✓ HPLC Coenzyme Verification

Through High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), NOW tests confirm the precise chemical identity of (6S)-5-MTHF. This guarantees that every tablet yields 100% of its declared 1,000 mcg bioactive coenzyme potency throughout its full shelf life.

✓ Advanced Microbial Pathogen Screening

Automated microbial testing confirms the absolute absence of Salmonella, E. coli, yeast, and molds in certified cGMP facilities holding an ‘A-rating’ from the Natural Products Association (NPA) and UL Solutions certification.

Complete Supplement Facts Panel

Supplement Facts

Serving Size: 1 Tablet
Servings Per Container: 90
Description Amount per Serving % Daily Value
Folate
[1,000 mcg (6S)-5-MTHF**] [from Quatrefolic® (6S)-5-MTHF** Glucosamine Salt] 		1,700 mcg DFE 425%

** MTHF = Methyltetrahydrofolate

Other Ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Stearic Acid (vegetable source) and Silicon Dioxide.

Allergen Statement: Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nut or sesame ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.

Caution: For adults only. The elderly and individuals with conditions that may impair vitamin B-12 absorption should frequently check vitamin B-12 status when taking this product as high-dose folic acid may mask vitamin B-12 deficiency. Consult physician if pregnant/nursing, taking medication (especially phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, and methotrexate), or have a medical condition (especially any condition involving nutrient malabsorption). Keep out of reach of children.

Quatrefolic® is a registered trademark of Gnosis S.p.A. and protected by U.S. Patent 7,947,662. Made and quality tested in the USA with globally sourced ingredients. Store in a cool, dry place after opening. Family owned since 1968.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Scientific References & Clinical Studies

  1. Scaglione, F., & Panzavolta, G., "Folate, folic acid and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate are not the same thing," Xenobiotica, 2014. PMID: 24494987.
  2. Miraglia, N., Agostinetto, M., Bianchi, D., & Valoti, E., "Enhanced oral bioavailability of a novel salt of (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid," Minerva Ginecologica, 2016. PMID: 27008240.
  3. Selhub, J., "Public health significance of elevated homocysteine," Food and Nutrition Bulletin, 2008. PMID: 18561703.
  4. Stahl, S. M., "L-methylfolate: a promising therapy for depression," CNS Spectrums, 2008. PMID: 18451758.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does Quatrefolic® differ from synthetic folic acid found in big box stores?

Synthetic folic acid is an oxidized artificial molecule that must undergo four enzymatic conversions in the liver and gut to become active [1]. Quatrefolic® is the pre-converted, biologically active form of folate ((6S)-5-MTHF) bound to a glucosamine salt [2]. It enters your bloodstream directly without requiring the MTHFR enzyme, providing immediate support for cellular methylation [1, 2].

2. Can I crush or split this tablet if I have difficulty swallowing pills?

Yes. These tablets are very small and compact, but they are not enteric-coated or extended-release. You can safely split them with a pill cutter or crush them into water, yogurt, or unsweetened applesauce without reducing the potency or stability of the Quatrefolic® coenzyme molecule.

3. Why does the product label carry a caution regarding Vitamin B-12?

High-potency folate corrects the physical formation of red blood cells, which can mask the hematological signs of an underlying Vitamin B-12 deficiency while neurological issues quietly persist [3]. Because folate and Vitamin B-12 work as cooperative biochemical partners in homocysteine recycling, maintaining healthy B-12 levels ensures balanced and safe methylation [1, 3].

4. Will taking this tablet break an intermittent fast?

No. A single tablet contains negligible calories, zero sugar, and no macronutrients, meaning it will not elevate insulin or interrupt cellular autophagy. However, taking it alongside your first meal of the day is recommended to stimulate digestive enzyme release and maximize intestinal absorption.

5. What does the “DFE” measurement on the Supplement Facts panel mean?

DFE stands for Dietary Folate Equivalents, a standardized measurement established by health authorities to account for the fact that purified folate forms absorb far better than food-bound folates. A 1,000 mcg dose of pure bioactive methyl folate provides 1,700 mcg DFE, delivering 425% of the daily nutritional benchmark.

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