5-MTHF (Folate)

May 16, 2026 Ellie Morley

Ingredient Spotlight: Folate (5‑MTHF)

in Everyday Stress & Wellness Support

Healthy hair growth relies on efficient cell division, nutrient utilisation and steady energy production and Folate plays a central role in all three. In its active form, 5‑MTHF, Folate supports methylation and DNA synthesis (twin cellular processes that act as the master controls for your body), helping the body renew cells and maintain overall wellbeing. In this spotlight, we explore what 5‑MTHF is, how it supports hair wellness, and the science behind its importance.

What Is Folate (5‑MTHF)?

Folate is a B‑vitamin essential for methylation, DNA synthesis, and cell division. While many supplements use folic acid, the body must convert folic acid into its active form - L‑5‑methyltetrahydrofolate (5‑MTHF) - before it can be used.

5‑MTHF bypasses this conversion step, making it a bioactive, ready‑to‑use form of Folate. This is especially helpful for individuals with genetic variations (such as MTHFR polymorphisms) that reduce their ability to convert folic acid efficiently.

Because hair follicles rely on rapid cell turnover, Folate is a key nutrient for maintaining the internal processes that support healthy‑looking hair.

How 5‑MTHF Supports Hair Health

Folate contributes to hair wellness through several interconnected pathways:

Cell division - Folate contributes to normal cell division, supporting the rapid turnover of follicle cells.
DNA synthesis - Essential for the formation of new cells within the follicle bulb.
Methylation - Supports the biochemical processes involved in nutrient utilisation and energy production.
Nutrient synergy - Works closely with Vitamin B12 to support red blood cell formation and overall metabolic balance.

Together, these functions help maintain the internal conditions that support healthy‑looking hair from within.

The Science in Simple Terms

Research into Folate and hair health consistently highlights three themes:

1.) Folate Deficiency and Hair Thinning

Several observational studies (1.) have found that individuals experiencing certain types of hair thinning often present with lower Folate levels compared to controls. This does not prove correlation, but it highlights a meaningful association between Folate status and hair‑growth patterns.

2.) Folate and Keratinocyte Stability

A 2017 study (2.) on keratinocytes (the cells that produce keratin) found that low Folate levels were linked to genomic instability in these cells. This supports the idea that Folate contributes to maintaining normal cellular function in tissues relevant to hair.

3.) 5‑MTHF or Folic Acid

Research comparing folic acid with 5‑MTHF shows that the active form leads to higher blood Folate levels, particularly in individuals with reduced folic‑acid conversion capacity. This is why we chose 5‑MTHF.

These scientific themes help explain why Folate, especially in its active form, is frequently included in hair‑support formulas.

How 5‑MTHF Complements This Category

Within the Everyday Stress & Wellness Support category, 5‑MTHF works alongside:

Iron - supports oxygen transport and energy production
Vitamin B12 - works synergistically with Folate in methylation and red blood cell formation
Vitamin D3 - contributes to normal immune function
Selenium - protects cells from oxidative stress

5‑MTHF brings methylation support, cell‑division benefits, and nutrient‑utilisation efficiency, rounding out the category’s focus on internal resilience and everyday wellbeing.

Key Takeaways

5‑MTHF is the active, bioavailable form of Folate.
Folate contributes to normal cell division and DNA synthesis.
Research explores links between low Folate levels and certain types of hair thinning.
5‑MTHF may be better absorbed than folic acid in some individuals.
It works synergistically with B12, Iron, Selenium and Vitamin D3 in our formula.