Many individuals don’t get sufficient 5-MTHF (L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate), the active form of folic acid, because they have intestinal or liver dysfunction, or because their genetic makeup makes it difficult to convert folic acid into active 5-MTHF. A deficiency of folic acid has been linked to low-birth-weight infants and neural tube defects, which is why the Centers for Disease Control recommends folic acid supplementation for all women of childbearing age. Since 5-MTHF also contributes to the production of serotonin, melatonin, dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine, supplementation supports a healthy mood. It is important for a woman of childbearing age to get enough folic acid – not just those women who are planning to become pregnant. Because half of the pregnancies are unplanned, any woman who could become pregnant should get enough folic acid every day. Folic acid intake is especially important before conception and during early pregnancy since its biggest need is during the first trimester – when a woman might not even know she is pregnant. Supplementation with the active form of folic acid – 5-MTHF (L-5 Methyltetrahydrofolate)– is always preferable. Acting with vitamin B12, 5-MTHF functions as a methyl group donor, thereby facilitating the conversion of the amino acid homocysteine to methionine. An elevated homocysteine level is a risk factor for a number of undesirable health conditions. Methyl-group donation is vital to many biochemical conversion processes, including the synthesis of serotonin, melatonin, and DNA.