Ova Balance · 200+ studies
Quatrefolic® (L-5-MTHF)
The active, body-ready form of folate — (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolate as a glucosamine salt. This is the folate form that actually circulates in blood, as opposed to synthetic folic acid, which the body must convert first.
The form we use
Quatrefolic® (6S)-5-MTHF glucosamine salt, 400 mcg DFE
Folic acid requires conversion by the MTHFR enzyme before the body can use it, and a large share of the population carries C677T variants that reduce that conversion. 5-MTHF is already in the circulating form, so it does not depend on that step. Quatrefolic® is the branded glucosamine salt chosen for its stability and its published pharmacokinetic record.
Why this form
How the common forms compare
| Form | What published literature reports | In TruWe |
|---|---|---|
| Folic acid (synthetic) | Stable and inexpensive; requires enzymatic conversion, which MTHFR variants reduce. | Not used |
| Folinic acid | An intermediate form; still requires downstream conversion steps. | Not used |
| Calcium salt of 5-MTHF | Active form; comparatively less soluble than the glucosamine salt. | Not used |
| Quatrefolic® glucosamine salt of (6S)-5-MTHF | Active circulating form with published comparative pharmacokinetic data against folic acid. | Used |
Dose
Where it appears, and how much
Ova Balance
400 mcg
DFE, per sachet
View product →
The evidence
What the research says
Patented (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt — the active, body-ready form of folate. Bypasses the MTHFR conversion step, so it works for everyone (including the ~30–50% with C677T variants). Delivered at 400 mcg DFE per sachet.
Reference researcher: Prof. Klaus Pietrzik · University of Bonn
- Folic acid and L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate: comparison of clinical pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
Clinical Pharmacokinetics · 2010
- Association between serum 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and homocysteine in Chinese hypertensive participants with different MTHFR C677T genotypes
Nutrition Journal · 2022
- The effects of folinic acid and L-methylfolate supplementation on serum total homocysteine levels in healthy adults
Clinical Nutrition ESPEN · 2023
- Hyperhomocysteinemia in hypofertile male patients can be alleviated by supplementation with 5-MTHF associated with one-carbon cycle support
Frontiers in Reproductive Health · 2023
- 5-MTHF enhances the portal pressure reduction achieved with propranolol in patients with cirrhosis: a randomized placebo-controlled trial
Journal of Hepatology · 2023
Questions, answered
Quatrefolic® (L-5-MTHF) FAQ
- What is MTHFR and why does it matter?
- MTHFR is the enzyme that converts folic acid toward the active form. Common gene variants reduce its efficiency, which is the argument for supplying the active form directly.
- Do I need a genetic test first?
- No. The active form works regardless of MTHFR status, which is exactly why it was chosen.
- Is 400 mcg enough?
- 400 mcg DFE is the standard daily reference intake for adults. Pregnancy has different requirements — speak to your doctor.
- Why the ® on Quatrefolic?
- It identifies the specific patented glucosamine salt, so the pharmacokinetic research cited corresponds to the ingredient actually used.
Ingredient-level research is published on the individual actives and their delivery forms. It describes the ingredients, not a finished-product claim. These statements have not been evaluated by the FSSAI or FDA. This content is for information only and is not medical advice.
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