Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
The Short Answer
Quatrefolic is a patented form of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, the bioactive form of folate that bypasses genetic variations in folate metabolism. It directly supports methylation reactions, DNA synthesis, and cardiovascular health through homocysteine reduction.
CategoryVitamin & Mineral
GroupVitamin
Evidence LevelStrong
Primary KeywordQuatrefolic benefits
Synergy Pairings5
Folate (Quatrefolic) — botanical close-up
Health Benefits
Provides a stable, bioactive form of folate for immediate use, enhancing nutrient absorption and effectiveness. This supports overall health and vitality. - Supports cardiovascular health by reducing homocysteine levels, lowering heart disease risk by 25%. This promotes a healthy heart and circulatory system. - Enhances neurotransmitter synthesis, improving mood and cognitive function. This can lead to better mental health and emotional stability. - Boosts energy levels by aiding in red blood cell production. This helps combat fatigue and improve overall vitality. - Supports immune function by enhancing white blood cell production. This strengthens the body's defense against infections. - Aids in DNA synthesis and repair, maintaining genetic integrity and cellular health. This is crucial for long-term health and disease prevention. - Supports healthy fetal development, reducing the risk of neural tube defects. This is essential for expectant mothers and their babies.
Origin & History
Natural habitat
Quatrefolic is a patented form of 5-MTHF, the active form of folate. It is designed to enhance stability and bioavailability in the body.
“Quatrefolic represents a modern advancement in folate supplementation, providing a more stable and effective form for individuals with absorption challenges.”Traditional Medicine
Scientific Research
Quatrefolic has been shown to be more stable and bioavailable than other forms of folate. Research supports its role in cardiovascular and mental health.
Preparation & Dosage
Traditional preparation
Recommended dosage is 400 mcg to 800 mcg daily. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Nutritional Profile
- Patented form of active folate with enhanced stability. - High bioavailability for effective absorption. - Supports critical biochemical processes.
How It Works
Mechanism of Action
Quatrefolic delivers 5-methyltetrahydrofolate directly to cells, bypassing the MTHFR enzyme conversion required for folic acid. It serves as a methyl donor in the methylation cycle, supporting methionine synthase activity and converting homocysteine to methionine. This enhanced bioavailability ensures optimal folate status regardless of genetic polymorphisms in folate metabolism.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical studies demonstrate Quatrefolic's superior bioavailability compared to folic acid, with plasma folate levels increasing more effectively. Research shows consistent homocysteine reduction of 20-25% in supplementation studies with 400-800 mcg daily doses. Multiple trials confirm improved folate status in individuals with MTHFR genetic variants who poorly convert synthetic folic acid. Evidence supports cardiovascular benefits through sustained homocysteine lowering over 8-12 week intervention periods.
Safety & Interactions
Quatrefolic is generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects at recommended doses of 400-1000 mcg daily. It may interact with methotrexate and anticonvulsants by affecting folate metabolism pathways. High doses above 1000 mcg should be monitored as they may mask vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult healthcare providers, though folate supplementation is typically recommended during pregnancy.
Drug & Supplement Interactions
2 documented interactions for Folate (Quatrefolic). Click any row to read the full explanation. Always consult your healthcare provider before combining supplements with medications.
Phenytoin+
Phenytoin depletes folate (which you need), but taking too much folate can reduce phenytoin levels. A careful balance is needed.
What to do: Take 0.5-1mg folic acid daily (not high-dose). Higher doses may reduce phenytoin effectiveness. Monitor phenytoin levels when starting folate.
Timing: Take Phenytoin at exact consistent times. Folate with a separate meal. Many antiepileptics deplete vitamin D, folate, and B12 — supplementation is often medically recommended. Folic acid at high doses may theoretically reduce some antiepileptic levels — discuss dosing with your neurologist.
Full interaction details →
Metformin+
Metformin may mildly lower folate levels. Supplementing is a good idea, especially for women of childbearing age.
What to do: The interaction between Folate and Metformin is classified as minor and rarely causes problems in practice. Most people tolerate this combination well, but be aware of potential effects and mention both to your doctor.
Timing: Take Metformin with meals as prescribed. Folate with food (fat-containing for A, D, E, K). Vitamin D deficiency is linked to insulin resistance — optimizing D levels may support diabetes management. B vitamins support nerve health, which is relevant for diabetic neuropathy prevention.
Full interaction details →
Educational information only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before changing your supplement or medication regimen.
Synergy Stack
Hermetica Formulation Heuristic
Also Known As
(6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid5-MTHFL-5-methyltetrahydrofolateVitamin B9FolacinPteroylglutamic acidMethylfolate
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Quatrefolic different from folic acid?
Quatrefolic provides 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, the active form of folate, while folic acid requires conversion through the MTHFR enzyme. This makes Quatrefolic more bioavailable and effective for people with MTHFR genetic variations who cannot properly convert synthetic folic acid.
How much Quatrefolic should I take daily?
The typical effective dose ranges from 400-800 mcg daily for general health support. Clinical studies showing cardiovascular benefits used doses of 400-1000 mcg daily, though individual needs may vary based on genetic factors and health status.
Can Quatrefolic help with MTHFR gene mutations?
Yes, Quatrefolic bypasses the MTHFR enzyme entirely by providing pre-converted 5-methyltetrahydrofolate. This makes it particularly beneficial for individuals with MTHFR C677T or A1298C polymorphisms who have reduced ability to convert folic acid to its active form.
How long does it take for Quatrefolic to reduce homocysteine?
Clinical studies show homocysteine levels typically decrease by 20-25% within 4-8 weeks of consistent Quatrefolic supplementation. Maximum benefits for cardiovascular health markers are generally observed after 8-12 weeks of regular use at effective doses.
Is Quatrefolic safe to take with other B vitamins?
Quatrefolic works synergistically with vitamin B12 and B6 in methylation pathways and is commonly combined with these nutrients. However, it's important to ensure adequate B12 status since high folate intake can mask B12 deficiency symptoms in blood tests.
Does Quatrefolic need to be taken with food, or can it be taken on an empty stomach?
Quatrefolic can be taken with or without food, as it is a stable, bioactive form of folate that doesn't require digestive enzymes for activation like synthetic folic acid does. However, taking it with a meal may enhance overall absorption and reduce the chance of mild gastrointestinal upset in sensitive individuals. For optimal results, consistency in timing is more important than food pairing.
Is Quatrefolic safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Quatrefolic is considered a preferred form of folate supplementation during pregnancy because it is immediately bioavailable and does not require metabolic conversion, making it ideal for supporting fetal neural development. The recommended dietary allowance for folate during pregnancy is 600 mcg daily, and Quatrefolic can safely provide this amount when properly dosed. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult with their healthcare provider to confirm appropriate dosing for their individual needs.
Does Quatrefolic interact with medications like methotrexate or antiepileptic drugs?
Quatrefolic should be used cautiously with methotrexate, a folate antagonist drug used for cancer and autoimmune conditions, as high-dose folate supplementation may interfere with its therapeutic effectiveness. Some antiepileptic drugs can deplete folate levels, making Quatrefolic supplementation beneficial, but timing should be coordinated with medication administration to avoid potential interactions. Anyone taking prescription medications that affect folate metabolism should consult their healthcare provider before starting Quatrefolic supplementation.
Explore the Full Encyclopedia
7,400+ ingredients researched, verified, and formulated for optimal synergy.
Browse IngredientsThese statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
hermetica-encyclopedia-canary-zzqv9k4w folate-quatrefolic curated by Hermetica Superfoods at ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com and licensed CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 (non-commercial share-alike, attribution required)
