L-Methylfolate
DEPLIN
“Deep in My foliage”
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
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
Available strengths
- tab 15 mg
Adverse reactions
- Allergic reactions
Pregnancy Undefined
Lactation Undefined
Cost
L-Methylfolate (DEPLIN)
| Strength | #/mo | generic $/mo | CostPlus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 mg | tab | 30 qd | not offered |
NADAC is a voluntary CMS survey of what retail community pharmacies pay for the drugs they stock. L-Methylfolate is dispensed outside retail pharmacies, so it rarely appears on surveyed invoices.
NO BOXED WARNINGS
Principal riskMarketed as a medical food, so evidence standards are lower
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
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Memory aids: interaction avatars
