Supports Cognitive + Emotional Balance

5 Methylfolate: 5-mthf L-Methylfolate 5 mg

Methyl-Life's® 5 Methylfolate 5 mg, tailored for MTHFR genetic variants. Bioactive form of 5-mthf L-Methylfolate for optimal absorption & brain health support.

  • Checkmark High-potency L-Methylfolate, formulated for bioavailability and optimized absorption
  • Checkmark Bioactive, Ultra-pure form of L-Methylfolate, Cerebrofolate™, for optimal absorption
  • Checkmark 3rd-Party Tested for Purity, Potency & Safety
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Description

5 Methylfolate 5 mg is a clinical-strength dose of bioactive folate, uniquely formulated with the comparison study-proven, ultra-pure Cerebrofolate™ (coming soon) to support brain health, methylation, and homocysteine balance.

  • Bioactive Folate That Crosses the Blood–Brain Barrier
    L-Methylfolate is the only biologically active form of folate that can cross the blood–brain barrier, supporting neurotransmitter production, memory, and overall cognitive health.
  • Cardiovascular & Homocysteine Support
    Helps maintain healthy homocysteine levels, a key factor in heart and blood vessel health, and supports methylation pathways essential for cellular function.
  • Optimized for MTHFR Gene Mutation Carriers
    This formula bypasses the MTHFR enzymatic conversion step, offering superior absorption for those with MTHFR polymorphisms, which can impact over 50% of the population globally.

Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1
Servings Per Container: 90
Amount Per Serving % Daily Value
Folate 8,500 mcg DFE
(5 mg L-Methylfolate from 7 mg of Cerebrofolate™(coming soon))
2,125%
† Daily Value not established

*DFE = Dietary Folate Equivalents. 8,500 mcg DFE equals 5,000 mcg (5 mg) of L-Methylfolate.

Other Ingredients

Xylitol (Xylisorb®), microcrystalline cellulose (Microcel®), stearic acid, silicon dioxide, natural mint flavoring. Not a significant source of sugars.

Allergen & Safety Information

  • Does not contain: wheat, gluten, soy, dairy, tree nuts, animal products, or GMOs
  • No artificial ingredients or colorings
  • Sweetened with xylitol — do not give to pets

Suggested Use

Take 1 chewable tablet daily, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.
May be chewed, dissolved in the mouth or swallowed.

How much should you take?

Every individual’s needs are different. This 5 mg dose is considered moderate and is often used under medical guidance for support with methylation, cognitive health, and homocysteine balance. Always consult your healthcare provider to determine the right dose for your specific needs.

Doctor-guided support

Visit our Dosage Information and Methylation Protocol pages to learn what some practitioners recommend, including step-by-step guidance for individuals with MTHFR gene variants.

Splitting tablets

Each chewable tablet is scored and can be split in half without a pill cutter. For best results, place your thumbs along the scored line with the tablet facing away from you, and press outward to snap. Watch the full demonstration in our tablet-splitting video.

Additional considerations

This supplement is designed to be taken daily or as recommended by your healthcare practitioner. Some individuals start with lower doses and increase gradually, based on tolerance and need.

Why L-Methylfolate 5 mg Matters

L-Methylfolate is the only active form of folate capable of crossing the blood–brain barrier — making it essential for supporting brain chemistry, methylation, and homocysteine regulation. At 5 mg, this moderate strength provides targeted support for those who need more than a low dose, but aren’t ready for higher-potency options like 10 or 15 mg.

This dose is commonly used to support healthy neurotransmitter function, cognitive clarity, and vascular health — particularly for individuals with MTHFR gene variants, who may have impaired folic acid conversion.

Key Scientific Findings

  • 5-MTHF is the bioactive form of folate used in cellular processes and circulation¹
  • 5.6 mg L-Methylfolate shown to slow cognitive decline in dementia patients²
  • Supports cardiovascular and neurological function via methylation support³
  • Bypasses MTHFR mutations, enabling more predictable absorption and bioavailability11

Clinical Research Link

One clinical study showed that 5.6 mg of L-Methylfolate helped slow cognitive decline in individuals with dementia². This reinforces 5 mg as a relevant, research-aligned daily dose for those seeking proactive brain support without reaching high-dose therapeutic levels.

Additionally, 5 mg is considered an effective middle ground by many practitioners — high enough to bypass conversion issues, low enough for daily maintenance without overstimulation.

Explore the clinical evidence around methylation, homocysteine, and neuroprotection:

Explore the science: Is There a Link Between Low Folate Levels and Dementia?

Learn how active folate may help support memory and cognitive function as part of a brain health protocol.

Traceable Ingredients You Can Trust

Every ingredient is sourced for purity, backed by clinical evidence, and rigorously tested for safety and bioavailability. Because in supplements, not all ingredients are created equal — and your body deserves only the most effective forms.

Supports Methylation, Mood & Cellular Health

Supports Methylation, Mood & Cellular Health

L–5–Methyltetrahydrofolate Calcium (as Calcium – Cerebrofolate™)

Clinically tested and patented for superior purity, this bioactive form of folate bypasses genetic mutations (like MTHFR) and goes straight to work — supporting neurotransmitters, DNA repair, and a healthy mood balance.

Backed by research:

Clinically tested and patented for superior purity, this bioactive form of folate bypasses genetic mutations (like MTHFR) and goes straight to work — supporting neurotransmitters, DNA repair, and a healthy mood balance.

Did You Know?

L-Methylfolate is a biologically active form of folate that the body can readily use. It supports natural processes related to neurotransmitter synthesis, including those involving serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. It also plays a role in homocysteine metabolism and cellular function. For individuals seeking a form of folate that doesn't require complex conversion steps, L-Methylfolate may offer a more efficient nutritional option.* Source

*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.

Methyl-Life® 5 Methylfolate: 5-mthf L-Methylfolate 5 mg contains no unnecessary excipients, synthetic colors, artificial preservatives, or common allergens. It is 100% free from gluten, soy, dairy, GMOs, animal-derived ingredients, and the EU’s top 14 allergens.

Every batch is third-party tested for purity, potency, and safety, manufactured in NSF-certified, cGMP-compliant facilities, and rigorously evaluated to ensure you’re getting clean, clinical-grade nutrients — nothing more, nothing less.

How This Formula Transforms Your Brain + Mood Health

Advanced Nutritional Support for Mood, Methylation & Mental Clarity

A clinical-strength bioactive folate supplement featuring pure L-Methylfolate (5-MTHF) — designed to promote cognitive clarity, emotional resilience, efficient methylation, and enhanced detoxification without requiring folate conversions. Ideal for individuals managing MTHFR gene mutations.

Cognitive Clarity & Emotional Balance

Delivers active folate directly to the brain — supporting neurotransmitter balance, mental clarity, and long-term cognitive health.

L-Methylfolate is essential for producing serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine — brain chemicals that regulate memory, mood, and mental sharpness. Unlike folic acid, it crosses the blood–brain barrier to fuel key neurochemical pathways3.

Backed by research: A 5.6 mg dose of L-Methylfolate (as part of the Cerefolin NAC compound) has been shown to improve cognitive function in Alzheimer’s patients by enhancing neurotransmitter synthesis and methylation through homocysteine reduction which results in an increase of SAMe.

📄 Download the MTHFR + Alzheimer’s Research PDF
Learn how folate status, homocysteine levels, and methylation impact memory loss and age-related cognitive decline.
Download PDF

L-Methylfolate has shown efficacy as an adjunctive support for mood therapy in individuals with low folate or MTHFR variants (PMC6530664)

Advanced Methylation & DNA Health

Delivers the most bioavailable form of folate (L-Methylfolate) to fuel healthy methylation and DNA repair pathways at the cellular level.

L-Methylfolate plays a central role in one-carbon metabolism, contributing essential methyl groups for DNA/RNA synthesis, gene expression regulation, and cellular detoxification. It's especially critical for individuals with MTHFR polymorphisms, who cannot efficiently convert folic acid into usable 5-MTHF.

Backed by research:

  • L-Methylfolate has been shown to influence DNA methylation patterns in human brain tumors, with one study reporting a 25% increase in methylated CpG sites following supplementation — the first documented instance of such methylome changes in human solid tumor tissue (PMC8983000).
  • Higher global DNA methylation levels have been associated with improved survival outcomes in glioblastoma patients, underscoring the potential clinical significance of supporting healthy methylation activity (PMC10912005).

Brain & Nerve Function

Supports optimal nervous system signaling and energy metabolism by providing the only form of folate that crosses the blood-brain barrier.

Unlike folic acid, L-Methylfolate crosses the blood–brain barrier and delivers active folate directly to neurons, supporting myelin formation, neurotransmission, and cognitive health.

Backed by research:

  • Folate Transport into the Brain: L-Methylfolate is preferentially transported across the blood–brain barrier, where it becomes concentrated in cerebrospinal fluid and supports vital functions like neurotransmission and myelin maintenance (PMC5385290).
  • CNS Activity Improvements in Clinical Trial: A randomized controlled trial showed that L-Methylfolate supplementation increased brain methylfolate levels and improved prefrontal cortex function and connectivity, with associated symptom improvements in patients with schizophrenia (PMC5599314).
  • Biological Access Confirmed: Multiple studies confirm L-Methylfolate’s ability to cross the blood–brain barrier and support central nervous system health (PMC7687916), (PMC7779227).

Optimized for MTHFR Variants

Formulated with Cerebrofolate™ (coming soon) — a next-generation, bioactive L-Methylfolate shown to exceed 80% purity and superior stability. Ideal for individuals with MTHFR polymorphisms like C677T or A1298C that reduce folate conversion efficiency.

Over 50% of the global population carries variants in the MTHFR gene that impair the conversion of synthetic folic acid into usable folate. Cerebrofolate™(coming soon) bypasses this enzyme entirely, delivering active 5-MTHF directly.

Scientific Insight: Folate in its active L-Methylfolate form plays a key role in DNA synthesis, repair, and methylation — essential processes for cellular health and neurological function.

Backed by research:

  • MTHFR Variants & Methylation Disruption: Common gene variants like C677T and A1298C reduce MTHFR enzyme activity, impairing methylation and increasing homocysteine. Supplementing with L-Methylfolate helps restore proper methylation and folate status in affected individuals. (PMC6530664)
  • Folate Metabolism & DNA Synthesis: This foundational study explains how L-Methylfolate contributes to one-carbon metabolism — fueling DNA/RNA synthesis, gene regulation, and detoxification. Especially beneficial for those with MTHFR polymorphisms. (PubMed 3262611)

Frequently asked question

Check out our Dosage page to learn what some doctors are saying. And consider reviewing our Methylation Protocol page as one example of how someone could start taking the active methylation nutrients.
You'll find our MTHFR Newbies page is very helpful. It's got some great tips for folks who haven't done much study on what to do if you have an MTHFR variant.
Basically, yes. In the chemistry world, L stands for the “Left” isomer, which is the same as the “(6S)” isomer – the terms are synonyms (and this naming convention is used interchangeably by various companies in the industry). In the case of methylfolate, that L or (6S) isomer is the active isomer of 5-MTHF that the body can actually use (conversely, D or (6R) refers to the inactive isomer of 5-MTHF, which isn’t the exact form the human body needs). To learn more about the different types of 5 methylfolate, its history, potency levels and stability details, and to see how our L-Methylfolate proves to be the purest on the planet, visit our Methylfolate Types page.
5 Methylfolate 5 mg supports DNA synthesis, neurotransmitter production, and cardiovascular health, making it beneficial for individuals with certain genetic variations or those seeking optimal folate levels.
Individuals with MTHFR gene mutations, those requiring high doses of folate, those in need of cognitive and memory related support, and pregnant women seeking prenatal support may benefit from 5 Methylfolate 5 mg supplementation.
No, actually our recommendation is to heavily consider following Dr. Neil Rawlins’ full supplement protocol. You can learn more about his protocol by watching his video seminar.

You can also download one of specific Methylation Protocols which guide you through the beginning nutrients to start. We recommend starting low and slowly titrating up to a dose that works well for you long term.
Go to our A Doctor Explains resource and listen to Dr. Neil Rawlins’ video seminar on MTHFR and the effects of Methylfolate.
5 Methylfolate 5 mg by Methyl-Life® is a high-strength L-5-methylfolate supplement, providing a bioavailable form of folate that supports methylation processes in the body, crucial for various biochemical reactions.
5 Methylfolate 5 mg may potentially help with depression, particularly in individuals with certain genetic variations affecting folate metabolism or those with folate deficiencies. Research suggests that 5 methylfolate supplementation at the 7.5mg - 15mg range may support mood regulation and mental health, although individual responses can vary. It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment options for depression.
Individual responses may vary, but some users report noticing improvements in energy levels and overall well-being right away. Others may take five or more weeks before noticing positive changes after starting 5 Methylfolate 5 mg supplementation.

Clinically Studied, Backed by Real Science

Methyl-Life® 5 mg is backed by research — not hype. From neurotransmitter synthesis to cardiovascular function, every claim we make is grounded in clinical studies. Below are the science-backed reasons why this specific strength of L-Methylfolate plays a critical role in brain health, mood regulation and metabolic balance.

Cognitive-Related Symptoms

5 mg of L-Methylfolate has shown promise in supporting cognitive function — particularly in early-stage cognitive decline. Research indicates that doses around 5.6 mg/day may benefit individuals with Alzheimer’s-related symptoms by supporting neurotransmitter synthesis, DNA repair, and methylation in the brain.
This is especially valuable for those with impaired folate transport or MTHFR mutations.

Evidence-Based Insight:A clinical study combining L-Methylfolate (5.6 mg), methylcobalamin, and NAC demonstrated cognitive improvements in patients with early Alzheimer’s symptoms.

Read the study – McCaddon et al., 2010

The Science Behind

What Makes Methyl-Life® Methylfolate Different Folate

Clinically Formulated, Quality-Tested, and Designed for Real Absorption

Not all methylfolate is created equal. In this video, Methyl-Life® founder, Jamie Hope, explains what sets their L-Methylfolate apart — from the ultra-pure form of folate used, to the strict quality testing, to the small, clean tablet design that delivers more active ingredients in a tasty way with less filler.

What Is Methylfolate — and Why It Matters

L-Methylfolate is the active form of folate, already converted and ready for use by the body — unlike synthetic folic acid, which must go through several enzymatic steps. This distinction is especially important for individuals with MTHFR gene variants, who often cannot convert folic acid efficiently.

Instead of building up unmetabolized folic acid in the bloodstream, L-Methylfolate delivers folate that is immediately bioavailable for methylation, neurotransmitter synthesis, DNA repair, detoxification and homocysteine reduction.

Reference: PubMed 20608755 – 5-MTHF is the predominant form of folate in circulation

What Sets Methyl-Life® Apart?

Study-proven Purest Form:  Cerebrofolate™(coming soon)

Methyl-Life® uses Cerebrofolate™(coming soon), a patented crystalline calcium salt form of L-Methylfolate (L-5-MTHF-Ca). This advanced form offers:

  • Higher purity and stability than competing versions like Quatrefolic®
  • Superior metabolic compatibility for those with MTHFR gene variants
  • Enhanced absorption and proven reliability

Reference: Magnafolate® comparison report

Strength Options & Dosing Flexibility

Available in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg and 15 mg, Methyl-Life® offers full dosing flexibility to support titration protocols. For example:

  • Start with 2.5 mg if you are new to methylfolate or sensitive to methyl donors
  • Easily split the 15 mg scored tablet into a 7.5 mg dose — cost-effective and precise

Reference: PubMed 23212058

Dosing Philosophy: Start Low, Increase Slowly

Jamie explains the importance of gradual titration — especially for individuals with mood issues or methylation impairments. Rapid increases can lead to irritability, fatigue or “overmethylation” symptoms in some users. Starting low and increasing over time allows the body to adapt.

Functional medicine practitioners often recommend beginning with lower doses and increasing based on symptoms and clinical goals.

Clean Ingredients + Small Tablet Design

Unlike large, filler-heavy tablets (such as Deplin), Methyl-Life®’s tablets are:

  • Small, chewable and tasty
  • Free from dyes, gluten, soy, dairy, GMOs and animal products
  • Designed to deliver 15 mg in a tablet smaller than a pinch of sugar

This product contains no unnecessary excipients or synthetic additives.

Every batch is third-party tested for:

  • Purity
  • Potency
  • Identity

Manufactured in an NSF-certified, cGMP-compliant facility, Methyl-Life® sets the standard for clinical-grade supplementation.

Why Pill Size Matters

Jamie explains that many pharmaceutical brands design large pills to enhance the placebo effect — assuming patients associate “big” with “strong.” But Methyl-Life® takes the opposite approach: smaller, cleaner, natural tablets packed with clinical efficacy and minimal filler.

This design delivers the same therapeutic dose with none of the fluff — maximizing absorption and minimizing unnecessary ingredients.

In Summary

Feature Methyl-Life® Methylfolate
Active form Yes – L-5-MTHF-Ca (Cerebrofolate™ coming soon)
Doses available 2.5, 5, 10, 15 mg
Third-party tested Yes – Purity, potency, identity
Manufacturing certification NSF, cGMP-compliant, FDA registered & audited
Additives None – clean and allergen-free
Recommended usage Start low, titrate slowly
Competitive advantage Superior bioavailability and purity

What’s this video about?: The research, formulation and manufacturing differences that make Methyl-Life® 's L-Methylfolate a superior choice — especially for individuals with MTHFR mutations or sensitive systems.

The Science Behind

Understanding DFE Labeling for Methylfolate

What the New Numbers on Your Label Mean Now — and Why the Label Change Hasn’t Changed Your Dose

When it comes to folate supplements, labels can be misleading — not because the formulas are different, but because the rules have changed. In this video, Jamie from Methyl-Life® explains the FDA’s new requirement to use Dietary Folate Equivalents (DFE) and what that means for how folate is reported on supplement labels.

Why Folate Labels Now Use DFE

The FDA now requires that all folate-containing supplements list folate content in mcg DFE to account for how much folate is actually absorbed by the body, based on source.

  • Folic acid × 1.7 = mcg DFE
  • Methylfolate × 1.7 = mcg DFE

This change reflects differences in bioavailability. The folic acid nutrient, for example, has ~85% bioavailability when taken with food. However, natural food folate has only ~50% bioavailability. The DFE unit helps consumers understand how much “usable folate” they’re getting as if it were compared to eating folate from whole foods.

Example:

  • A supplement with 1,000 mcg folic acid will now be labeled as 1,700 mcg DFE.
  • A supplement with 15,000 mcg L-Methylfolate will now show 25,500 mcg DFE (or could show more, depending on the salt form used and its potency calculation).

NOTE:  this is not an increase in the dosage amount — just new math to reflect usable folate content from the same formula.

Why This Matters for Methyl-Life® Users

Methyl-Life® uses L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate (L-Methylfolate) — a bioactive form of folate that does not require MTHFR conversion. Even though it’s more effective and better absorbed than folic acid, the FDA still requires methylfolate products to use the same 1.7x multiplier for DFE.

So if your bottle used to say 15,000 mcg of L-Methylfolate, and now it says 25,000-30,000 mcg DFE, just know that neither the formula nor the dose has changed — only the math has. You're still receiving 15 mg of pure L-Methylfolate, now labeled using the updated DFE format.

Why the DFE Conversion Matters Less Than the Form

DFE was designed around folic acid absorption. But Methyl-Life® uses methylfolate, which already comes in its active form and offers superior uptake — especially for those with MTHFR gene mutations.

This is supported by evidence showing that L-Methylfolate:

  • Crosses the blood–brain barrier for direct cognitive support2
  • Improves depressive symptoms when used at 15 mg/day in SSRI-resistant cases PubMed 23212058
  • Supports homocysteine metabolism to reduce cardiovascular and neurological risk PMC9832224

Why the DFE Conversion Matters Less Than the Form

DFE (Dietary Folate Equivalent) was designed around folic acid — a synthetic form that requires multiple conversion steps before it becomes usable by the body.

But Methyl-Life® uses L-methylfolate, which is already in its active form and offers superior absorption — especially for those with MTHFR gene mutations.

So while labeling has changed, nothing has changed in your supplement’s clinical or nutritional performance.

Recap: DFE Labeling Doesn’t Change the Dose

  • DFE stands for Dietary Folate Equivalent, a unit created to reflect folate’s usable potency based on absorption rates from whole foods
  • The formula is exactly the same — only the math calculation applied to the label has changed
  • Methyl-Life® continues to deliver clinically-studied L-Methylfolate at the same high-potency, now labeled to meet new DFE guidelines from the FDA

You do not need to recalculate your dose or change your usage.

What’s this video about?: How the new FDA labeling standards affect folate supplements — and why your formula hasn’t changed, even if the number on the label looks much higher.

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Methyl-Life® 5 Methylfolate 5 mg – Clinically-Backed Support for Cognitive Health, Methylation & Mood Balance

Methyl-Life® 5 Methylfolate 5 mg delivers a moderate-strength dose of bioactive folate — also known as 5-MTHF or L-Methylfolate — the most absorbable form of folate for the body. Specially formulated for individuals with MTHFR gene variants, this supplement supports healthy methylation, cardiovascular function, brain health, and neurotransmitter production without relying on the body's ability to convert synthetic folic acid.

If you struggle with folate absorption, mental fatigue, mood imbalances, or elevated homocysteine levels, this supplement may help you experience the benefits of folate faster and more efficiently.

Understanding the MTHFR Mutation and Folate Deficiency

Many people dealing with fatigue, brain fog, or mood imbalances don’t realize a genetic mutation could be interfering with how their body processes folate. The MTHFR gene plays a crucial role in converting folic acid into L-Methylfolate, the active form the body actually uses.

When MTHFR is mutated, this conversion becomes impaired.