CALCIUM L-5-METHYLTETRAHYDROFOLATE
New specifications prepared at the 65th JECFA (2005) and published in FNP 52 Add 13 (2005). At the 65th JECFA (2005) the Committee had no safety concerns for the use of the substance in dry crystalline or microencapsulated form as an alternative to folic acid used in dietary supplements, foods for special dietary uses and other foods.
SYNONYMS L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolic acid, calcium salt
L-Methyltetrahydrofolate, calcium salt
L-Methylfolate, calcium
L-5-MTHF-Ca
DEFINITION Calcium L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (L-5-MTHF-Ca) is a synthetic derivative of folic acid, the predominant, naturally occurring form of folate. It is synthesized by reduction of folic acid to tetrahydrofolic acid followed by methylation and diastereoselective crystallization (in water) of L-5-MTHF as its calcium salt. The product contains variable amounts of water of crystallization. Chemical name N-{4-[[((6S)-2-amino-3,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-5-methyl-4-oxo-6-pteridinyl)methyl]amino]benzoyl}-L-glutamic acid, calcium salt
C.A.S. number 151533-22-1
Chemical formula C20H23CaN7O6 (anhydrous form)
Structural formula (anhydrous form)
Formula weight 497.5 (anhydrous form)
Assay 95.0 – 102.0% (anhydrous basis)
DESCRIPTION White to light yellowish, almost odourless, crystalline powder
FUNCTIONAL USES Nutrient supplement
