Appearance: White to light yellowish, almost odorless, crystalline powder
Calcium L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate is the calcium salt of L-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid, which is the predominant, naturally occurring form of folate. It is synthesized by reduction of folic acid to tetrahydrofolic acid followed by methylation and diastereoselective crystallization (in water) of L-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid as its calcium salt. The product contains variable amounts of water of crystallization.

Commercial use of Calcium L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate in pharmaceutical products began in Europe in the early part of this decade. This approach to folate supplementation has potential to impact prenatal care, homocysteine management, and the treatment of depression, dementia and cardiovascular concerns.