Description Food for special medical purposes with 2 mg of calcium L-5-methylfolate (or L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate), B-group vitamins and zinc. MTHFR Prevent Plus is indicated for the dietary management of hyperhomocysteinaemia resulting from an established genetic defect of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). In the presence of specific coenzymes – vitamin B12, B6, B2 and zinc – L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate is able to provide the methyl group needed to reconvert homocysteine into methionine, even in the presence of the genetic defect. The particular combination of components stems from the need to restore the physiological mechanism of the metabolic defect arising from a family history of mutations or genetic polymorphisms of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene.
Calcium L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate: a synthetic derivative of natural L-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid containing a reduced and methylated pteridine ring system. L-5-MTHF is the biologically active form and is used by the body as such, without undergoing further biotransformation.
The use of L-5-MTHF appears more appropriate than folic acid because:
-in cases of MTHFR polymorphism, folic acid cannot be converted into L-5-MTHF;
-folic acid and L-5-MTHF have comparable physiological activity, bioavailability and absorption;
-unlike folic acid, which needs to be reduced in two steps, L-5-MTHF can be used directly in methylation reactions;
-high doses of folic acid can mask megaloblastic anaemia.
MTHFR and homocysteine: MTHFR is an enzyme that converts folates (vitamin B9) from food into the active form usable by the body, called 5-MTHF (methylfolate), a molecule that allows the remethylation of homocysteine into methionine with vitamin B12 acting as a cofactor. Homocysteine is an amino acid that can cause inflammation and hardening of the arteries. It forms naturally in the body. When methylation occurs, it becomes a beneficial essential amino acid called methionine. High levels of homocysteine adversely affect the functions of the nervous, cardiovascular and skeletal systems, particularly through increased production of free radicals and the resulting oxidative stress.
High homocysteine levels can be caused by various causes and predisposing factors, which can be grouped into 3 groups:
1) Genetic factors
2) Physiological factors
3) Acquired factors.
Ingredients Bulking agents: microcrystalline cellulose, dibasic calcium phosphate; zinc oxide; anti-caking agents: silicon dioxide, talc, vegetable magnesium stearate; calcium L-5-methylfolate, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin); coating agents: acetylated pregelatinised starch, talc, glycerol, E171, E172.
Gluten-free.
Naturally
lactose-free.
Nutritional information | Average values | per 100 g | per dose
(1 tablet = 500 mg) |
| Energy | 571 kJ
140 kcal | 2.9 kJ
0.7 kcal |
Fat
of which saturates
of which monounsaturates
of which polyunsaturates | <0.5 g
<0.1 g
<0.1 g
<0.1 g | 0 g
0 g
0 g
0 g |
Carbohydrate
of which sugars
of which polyols
of which starch | 8.9 g
<0.5 g
0.6 g
3 g | <0.5 g
0 g
0 g
<0.5 g |
| Fibre | 52 g | <0.5 g |
| Protein | <0.5 g | 0 g |
| Salt | 0.03 g | <0.01 g |
| Vitamin B2 | 280 mg | 1.4 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 400 mg | 2 mg |
| Calcium L-5-methylfolate | 400 mg | 2 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 480 mcg | 2.4 mcg |
| Zinc | 2,000 mg | 10 mg |
Directions for use The recommended intake is 1 tablet per day.
Warnings The product must be used under medical supervision. The product is not suitable for use as the sole source of nutrition. Due to its high folic acid content, the product is contraindicated for individuals who do not have the genetic defect of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR).
Do not exceed the recommended daily dose.
Keep out of the reach of children under 3 years of age.
Storage Store in a cool, dry place, away from sources of heat.
The expiry date refers to the product correctly stored in its intact packaging.
Shelf life in intact packaging: 36 months.
Pack size Box of 30 tablets of 500 g.
Net weight: 15 g.
Code PM0060
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Leopardi P, Marcon F., Caiola S., Siniscalchi E., Zijno A, Crebelli R. Il polimorfismo della metilenetetraidrofolatoreduttasi 677C-T e l'interazione con acido folico e riboflavina. Workshop- Network Italiano Promozione Acido Folico-Prevenzione Primaria di Difetti Congeniti. ISS Roma, 5 ottobre 2007.
McLean RR, Jacques PF, Selhub J, et al. Homocysteine as a predictive factor for hip fracture in older persons. N Engl J Med. 2004;350(20):2042-9.
The EFSA Journal (2004) 135,1-20. Opinion of the Scientific panel on Food Additives, Flavouring, Processing Aids and Materials in Contact with Food on a request from the Commission related to calcium L-Methylfolate. Question N°EFSA-Q-2004-007.
Venn BJ, Green TJ, Maser R, Mann JI, Comparison of the effect of low-dose supplementation with L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate or folic acid on plasma homocysteine: a randomized placebo-controlled study. Am J Clin Nutr.2003 Mar;77(3):658-62.
Hasselwander 0., Hönlein W., Schweillert L., Kriömer K. (2.000):5-Methyltetrahydrofolate: The active form of folic acid. Functional foods 2.000, Conference proceedings. pp 48-59.
