Ingredients 2025

Ocufolin® Statement of Identity

Each dose of Ocufolin® (3 capsules) contains 30 mg of riboflavin (B2), 9 mg of pyridoxal-5-phosphate (B6), 2.7 mg of L-methylfolate (B9) (as Metafolin®), and 1500 mcg of methylcobalamin (B12). These are the active forms of these vitamins which are necessary for folate metabolism.

The ROLE of FOLATE

Active l-methylfolate has been called the “secret key” to Ocufolin’s® success. Many patients with retinal difficulties have common folate polymorphisms that impair folate metabolism. The human body needs L-methylfolate which readily crosses both the blood brain and blood retinal barriers and is immediately available for cellular metabolism. Supplementation with L-methylfolate bypasses several inherited and environmental impairments of its synthesis.

Folic acid is the synthetic substitute often supplemented for active L-methylfolate. Folic acid must be converted in a seven step process before it becomes bioavailable L-methylfolate. Conversion efficiency goes down as the dose increases. It is a poor choice when high dosages are needed.

Riboflavin and pyridoxal-5-phosphate are essential B-vitamin co-factors necessary for natural L-methylfolate synthesis. Their presence increases natural L-methylfolate availability.

Methylcobalamin, is a natural active form of B12. Methylcobalamin and L-methylfolate are so entwined metabolically that serum levels of methylcobalamin are reduced if there is insufficient serum L-methylfolate. They are the main forms of the vitamins found in the spinal fluid surrounding the brain and optic nerve. They are necessary for the formation and maintenance of healthy blood cells and nerve and retinal tissue.

Reduced production of both L-methylfolate and methylcobalamin are downstream consequences of impaired folate metabolism. Increased homocysteine is a biomarker for impaired folate and B12 metabolism. The downstream consequence of addressing folate metabolism and homocysteine is improved blood flow and reduced ischemia. These may be measured by following serum CRP, VEGF, and glutathione levels. High doses of L-methylfolate and methylcobalamin reduce ischemia and have been found to be neuroprotective in central and peripheral neuropathies.

Other ingredients

As a medical food, Ocufolin® is intended to serve a distinct purpose for patients with distinct needs and deficiencies. Besides the key ingredients, specific dose amounts of other ingredients used in Ocufolin® were selected to address common underlying nutritional gaps at a cellular level in order to support the cellular metabolism.

Ocufolin contains no known FALCPA allergens, that is no milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, or soybeans.

Vitamin D

Many patients with folate metabolic errors also have vitamin D deficiency which prevents folate absorption in the small intestine. More than half the US adult population is estimated to be currently deficient in Vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential to eye health and Ocufolin delivers a daily dose of 4500 iu. This is sufficient to assure the L-methylfolate is properly absorbed.

Role of Lutein and Zeaxanthin

At the center of the retina sits the macula lutea which is seen as a yellow spot. Lutein and zeaxanthin are the pigments responsible for giving the macula its yellow coloring. Light exposure generates free radicals and causes oxidative stress. Increased oxidative stress increases ischemic damage to the retina. Lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidants and help to protect against the free radical damage caused by ischemia.

Ocufolin® uses natural Lutein in the form of Floraglo® - the leading ingredient brand on the market.

Ocufolin® uses natural Zeaxanthin in the form of Optisharp® - the leading ingredient brand on the market.