Description
Levomefolate is the calcium salt of 5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid , a biologically active form of folic acid that functions, in conjunction with Vitamin B
12 , as a methyl-group donor involved in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine. The availability of methyl groups is essential for a variety of methylation reactions including the synthesis of DNA and proper neural tube closure. Levomefolate is included in formulations of certain oral contraceptives to ensure adequate folic acid levels in women of child-bearing age to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. The combination of levomefolate and oral contraceptives increases folic acid levels.
References
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10.1152/ajprenal.2000.279.4.f671[3] HARTMUT BLODE . Bioequivalence study of an oral contraceptive containing ethinylestradiol/drospirenone/levomefolate calcium relative to ethinylestradiol/drospirenone and to levomefolate calcium alone[J]. Contraception, 2012, 85 2: Pages 177-184. DOI:
10.1016/j.contraception.2011.05.015[4] STEPHAN BART SR . Folate status and homocysteine levels during a 24-week oral administration of a folate-containing oral contraceptive: a randomized, double-blind, active-controlled, parallel-group, US-based multicenter study[J]. Contraception, 2012, 85 1: Pages 42-50. DOI:
10.1016/j.contraception.2011.05.013
