Most of us take them in one form or another: Vitamins. But one of the 13 essential vitamins is proving to be incredibly beneficial in a variety of ways.
Vitamin B9, otherwise known as folate, is one of the 13 essential vitamins that we should maintain at appropriate levels in our bodies. The active form of folate in the body is called levomefolic acid, or L-methylfolate. In this form, it can cross both cell barriers and the blood-brain barrier. Its ability to so this makes L-methylfolate very important to our health.
One of the main roles of L-methylfolate is its action as a regulator of several neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Serotonin engages with our ability to happy and content. Dopamine facilitates the signals between nerve cells. And norepinephrine relates to how we take action; or “fight or flight” cerebral component.
Because of its unique ability to triangulate with these three neurotransmitters, L-methylfolate is valuable to our bodies in a number of situations and for a number of reasons:
- L-methylfolate can help to treat depression. In one study that examined 123 patients diagnosed with depression, a significant number had folate deficiencies
- In another study, ten patients diagnosed with bipolar depression were given L-methylfolate in combination with conventional treatment. The application of L-methylfolate reduced the average degree of depression in these bipolar patients
- In an examination of 91 patients suffering from schizophrenia, a link was established between the degree of the negative symptoms of schizophrenia and low blood levels of folate
- People diagnosed with Alzheimer’s are more likely to have insufficient folate levels compared to those who are healthy. As a result, researchers believe L-methylfolate supplements can help to improve Alzheimer’s symptoms in patients diagnosed with the condition.
In addition, the taking of an L-methylfolate supplement can aid with:
- Reducing mania
- Improving pregnancy outcomes
- Boosting the immune system
- Treating Autism
Understanding your bodies need for folates is an excellent start to understanding whether or not you have a folate deficiency. If so, perhaps an L-methylfolate supplement may b in your future.
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