Tetrahydrofolate Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and more
Tetrahydrofolate is a folic acid derivative that is produced from dihydrofolic acid after conversion by dihydrofolate reductase. It is converted into 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate by serine hydroxymethyltransferase. It is a soluble coenzyme in many reactions, especially in the metabolism of amino acids and nucleic acids.
Tetrahydrofolate is the main active metabolite of dietary folate. It is vital as a coenzyme in reactions involving transfers of single carbon groups. Tetrahydrofolate has a role in nucleic and amino acid synthesis. As nucleic and amino acid synthesis is affected by a deficiency of tetrahydrofolate, actively dividing and growing cells tend to be the first affected. Tetrahydrofolate is used to treat topical sprue and megaloblastic and macrocytic anemias, hematologic complications resulting from a deficiency in folic acid.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Trade Name | Tetrahydrofolate |
| Generic | Tetrahydrofolic acid |
| Tetrahydrofolic acid Other Names | Tetrahydrofolate |
| Type | |
| Formula | C19H23N7O6 |
| Weight | Average: 445.4292 Monoisotopic: 445.170981503 |
| Groups | Nutraceutical |
| Therapeutic Class | |
| Manufacturer | |
| Available Country | |
| Last Updated: | January 7, 2025 at 1:49 am |
Uses
For nutritional supplementation, also for treating dietary shortage or imbalance.
How Tetrahydrofolate works
Tetrahydrofolate is transported across cells by receptor-mediated endocytosis where it is needed to maintain normal erythropoiesis, synthesize purine and thymidylate nucleic acids, interconvert amino acids, methylate tRNA, and generate and use formate.
