L-Methylfolate
DEPLIN
What it isBlood-brain-barrier-penetrant active folate and methyl donor; adjunct in depression and folate deficiency.
Why it mattersIt bypasses MTHFR conversion, delivering active folate regardless of reduced folic-acid metabolism.
What it changesIt is marketed as a medical food rather than a drug, so evidence standards are lower and cost is high.
FDA-approved for
- medical food: depression/folate deficiency
Off-label
- antidepressant augmentation (marketed as a medical food)
- folate deficiency
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distinct nutritional requirement (usual adult dose) | adult | 7.5-15 mg QD |
Renal Undefined
Hepatic Undefined
Instructions
- Take daily with or without food, or as directed under medical supervision
Adverse reactions
- Allergic reactions
Pregnancy Undefined
Lactation Undefined
NO BOXED WARNINGS
Principal riskMarketed as a medical food, so evidence standards are lower
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Mechanism of action: L-Methylfolate ballicule
Open L-Methylfolate in the interactive console ↗
Memory aids: mascots and interaction avatars
individuals with 2 copies of the C677T MTHFR allele—“poor M\*TH\*\*F\*\*\*Rs"—may benefit from L-methylfolate over folic acid supplementation
holding garbanzo beans (chickpeas), which are folate-rich
