Can Seniors And Children Take L-Methylfolate?

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The brief response to this query is yes, it is safe for seniors and children to take L-methylfolate. Moreover, doctors advise being extra attentive towards the methylfolate intake of the elderly and youngsters because it is a crucial vitamin for the proper functioning of the nervous system, production of normal, round red blood cells, and prevention of age-related severe health complications.

Please read below to learn what L-methylfolate is and why seniors and children must consume recommended levels of folic acid daily.

What is L-methylfolate?

L-methylfolate 5 mg is a biologically active form of vitamin B9 (folate) and is one of the types of folic acid. It is present in fortified foods like bread and cereals and nutritional supplements. L-methylfolate is an essential medical food because it serves to enhance the functioning of the body while protecting it from ailments. Naturally, foods like legumes, organ meat, citrus fruits, leafy green veggies, etc., have folate present, which maintains adequate amounts of B9 in the body.

Methylfolate/folic acid works to:

Produce RBCs
Enhance the working of antidepressants
Prevent renal and hepatic impairment
Prevent congenital neural disabilities in infants

Why Do Children Need L-Methylfolate?

Here are the significant reasons why L-methylfolate is necessary for children:

It helps in the proper development of the brain, immune, nervous, and digestive system
It aids in the formation of RBCs and prevents folic acid deficiency anemia
It helps with metabolism and gives energy
It reduces the risks of stroke and improves cardiovascular health
It improves children’s language skills

Furthermore, your child also needs methylfolate before birth as it prevents defects in the brain and the spine.

Why Do Seniors Need L-Methylfolate?

In older men and women, methylfolate improves cognitive functions and lowers the risks of speech problems and memory deterioration.
It protects the brain by repairing the damage caused to the DNA
Methylfolate helps with the symptoms of dementia.
It may also help with aphasia.

Recommended Doses for Children

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of L-methylfolate/folic acid per day for children of different age groups is given below:

Infants of 0-6 months require 65 mcg of DFE
Babies of 7-12 months require 80 mcg DFE
Children of 1-3 years require 150 mcg DFE
Children of 4-8 years require 200 mcg DFE
Children of 9-13 years require 300 mcg DFE
Teenagers of 14-18 years require 400 mcg DFE

Recommended doses for seniors

Although the RDA for total folate intake is 400 mcg daily for adults, for older adults, it is advocated to take 400 mcg of additional supplemental methylfolate on top of a folate-rich diet to meet the adequate l-methylfolate levels in the blood. Maintaining good levels of folic acid is necessary because its deficiency leads to higher levels of the amino acid called homocysteine and results in heart diseases.

Conclusion

Thus, we can conclude that both seniors and children need adequate amounts of l-methylfolate to stay fit and lead a risk-free life. Now you can understand how much l-methylfolate is crucial for your body. You should also add folic acid supplements to your diet.