L-methylfolate 5 mg is an artificially synthesized form of folate, the naturally occurring vitamin B9. It is infamous as a medical food and prevents serious health complications like megaloblastic anemia, congenital neural defects, etc. However, our bodies absorb folic acid added to fortified foods and supplements more rapidly than folate found in natural foods. Hence, consuming fortified foods and l-methylfolate supplements in addition to natural foods is recommended to reach the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for folic acid.
Women need L-methylfolate for the following reasons
- Production of red blood cells
- Preventing Alzheimer’s disease
- Boosting the immune system
- To prevent depressive episodes and other mental health conditions and disorders
- To treat vitamin B9 deficiency
On top of that, women’s bodies need a well-balanced to maintain good reproductive health and carry a child with low risks of premature birth and fetal intricacies. Therefore, there is a set RDA per day to ensure good health. Read below to learn about the amounts of L-methylfolate women need per day.
1. Women of Reproductive Age
All women and teenagers of reproductive age (15-49 years old) are advised to consume 400 mcg DFE daily to ensure a healthy pregnancy. In order to do so, a well-balanced diet containing natural sources of folate like leafy green vegetables and legumes and fortified foods like cereals and bread is recommended. However, if the folate deficiency is severe, take L-methylfolate supplements after consulting a doctor.
2. Pregnant Women
The RDA value for folic acid is 600 mcg DFE for expecting mothers. Folate deficiency in the mother can pose serious health threats to the fetus and result in neural birth defects in the brain and the spine during the first 3 to 4 weeks of the pregnancy. Also, proper l-methylfolate intake lowers the chances of premature birth and prevents postpartum anemia in the mother. Therefore, folic acid is present in prenatal vitamins to help women recover.
3. Lactating Women
Adequate amounts of l-methylfolate are necessary for lactating mothers to ensure the infant gets enough folic acid for the development of the brain. The recommended daily dosage is 500 mcg DFE for breastfeeding women and teen girls.
4. Women Who Drink Alcohol Regularly
Continuous alcohol consumption in large amounts affects the absorption of folic acid, leaving your body with low blood levels of folate. Therefore, chronic alcoholics require more than 400 mcg DFE of folic acid for proper bodily functions and to prevent folate deficiency that can lead to severe ailments.
What Is The Maximum Safe Dosage Of L-Methylfolate For Women?
The safe dosage of L-methylfolate for women is 1000 mcg daily because consuming more than this limit is no use unless the doctor advises increasing the daily intake. Too much l-methylfolate is not dangerous for women. However, its overdosage has mild side effects like a disturbance in sleeping patterns, irritability, rash/swelling, mood changes, etc.
Conclusion
We can deduce that a mother’s health is the foremost factor in giving birth to a well-nurtured child. Therefore, it is necessary to incorporate essential minerals and vitamins in your daily life to prevent all sorts of ailments.
