Folate
The non-negotiable — ideally in its methylated form.
What it is
Folate (vitamin B9) is essential for DNA synthesis and cell division. Folic acid is the synthetic form; L-5-MTHF (methylfolate) is the bioactive form your body can use directly, which matters for people with MTHFR gene variants.
Why it’s used
- Reduces the risk of neural tube defects when started before conception.
- Supports rapid cell division in early pregnancy.
- Methylfolate bypasses the conversion step some people struggle with.
What research says
- The CDC and ACOG recommend 400–800 mcg of folate daily for anyone who could become pregnant, starting at least one month before conception.
- Randomized trials in the 1990s established that periconceptional folic acid reduces neural tube defect risk by up to 70%.
- Studies show methylfolate raises red blood cell folate at least as effectively as folic acid.
Typical dose: 600–1,000 mcg DFE daily, beginning at least a month before trying.
Lunara products with Folate
References
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Educational information only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This content is not medical advice and Lunara products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.