Levomefolic acid (INN) is the metabolite of folic acid (Vitamin B9) and it is a predominant active form of folate found in foods and in the blood circulation, accounting for 98% of folates in human plasma [A19276]. It is transported across the membranes including the blood-brain barrier into various tissues where it plays an essential role in the DNA synthesis, cysteine cycle and regulation of homocysteine, where it methylates homocysteine and forms methionine and tetrahydrofolate (THF). Levomefolate is approved as a food additive and is designated a GRAS (generally regarded as safe) compound [L773]. It is available commercially as a crystalline form of the calcium salt (Metafolin(R)), which has the stability required for use as a supplement [A19276]. Supplementation of levomefolic acid is desired over folic acid due to reduced potential for masking vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms.
Levomefolate Calcium, Pyridoxal 5-phosphate, Methylcobalamin and Schizochytrium DHA Oil
Zatean-Pn DHA
WellFola
Levomefolate Calcium, Cyanocobalamin and Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
Multivitamin with Fluoride
Enl
FolaMax
Tricare Prenatal DHA One With Folate
L-Methyl MC
FloraFol
Beyaz
Tricare Prenatal 2-part Daily Prenatal Vitamin System
Vitafol Ultra
Obstetrix DHA Combo Pack
Inflamex
Obstetrix EC
BumP DHA
Floriva
Davimet-M
Poly-Vi-Flor with Iron
Floriva Plus
OBTREX DHA Combo Pack
Chromagen
Indication
For the treatment and prevention of folate deficiency and for use as an antidote against folic acid antagonists. Contained in oral contraceptives to reduce the risk of neural tube defects arising from folic acid deficiency for pregnant women who conceived during use or shortly after the discontinuation of the product. Being studied for use as a treatment for cardiovascular diseases [A19273] and adjunct therapy for patients undergoing antidepressant pharmacotherapy [A19271, A19272].
Drug Info/Drug Targets: DrugBank 3.0: a comprehensive resource for 'omics' research on drugs. Knox C, Law V, Jewison
T, Liu P, Ly S, Frolkis A, Pon A, Banco K, Mak C, Neveu V, Djoumbou Y, Eisner R, Guo AC, Wishart DS.
Nucleic Acids Res. 2011 Jan; 39 (Database issue):D1035-41. | PMID:21059682
