L-methylfolate
L-Methylfolate
L-Methylfolate (pronunciation: el-meth-ill-foh-late) is a form of the B-vitamin known as folic acid. It is the active form of folic acid used at the cellular level for DNA reproduction, the cysteine cycle and the regulation of homocysteine among other functions.
Etymology
The term "L-Methylfolate" is derived from the Latin word "folium", which means leaf. This is because the vitamin was first isolated from spinach leaves. The "L" denotes the isomer of the molecule that is biologically active.
Function
L-Methylfolate plays a crucial role in many bodily functions. It is essential for the synthesis of DNA and RNA, the genetic material of cells. It also aids in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine, a process that is important for heart health. Additionally, L-Methylfolate is necessary for the production of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), a universal methyl donor for almost 100 different substrates, including DNA, RNA, hormones, proteins, and lipids.
Related Terms
- Folic Acid: The synthetic form of folate, a water-soluble B vitamin.
- Homocysteine: An amino acid in your blood that our bodies use for energy production.
- Methionine: An essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in many bodily functions.
- S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe): A compound that is made naturally in the body and plays a role in many important body processes.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on L-methylfolate
- Wikipedia's article - L-methylfolate
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