Methyl-Free vs. Methylated: Do You Need a Non-Methylated Supplement? (2024)

Methyl-Free vs. Methylated: Do You Need a Non-Methylated Supplement? (1)

You may have seen “methyl-free” on some of Seeking Health’s supplements.

But what does this mean? And how do you know if you need a methyl-free product?

B vitamins are important for hundreds of processes in your body and many people take B vitamin supplements to feel healthy. Yet some sensitive individuals who take B vitamins experience nervousness and rapid heartbeat for minutes or days afterward. In certain people, these reactions have been attributed to a specific class of B vitamins called methylated B vitamins.

Methylated versus non-methylated is a novel concept that has become more popular since the release of “active” forms B vitamins in dietary supplements. Active forms of B12 and folate tend to include methylcobalamin and methylfolate, respectively. They are quite useful for those needing additional methylation support for a sluggish folate pathway, MTHFR gene variations, high homocysteine, and other methylation issues.

Have you had reactions after taking methylated nutrients? If so, you might be wondering what to do.

Let’s back up to answer this question and first look at what methylation is and why it’s essential. Then we’ll discuss how to know if you’re methyl-sensitive and what to do if you are.

View Seeking Health’s Methyl-Free Products here.

What is a ‘Methylated’ Nutrient?

A methylated nutrient is a compound attached to a molecule made up of one carbon and three hydrogens, known as a “methyl group” (CH3).

Methyl-Free vs. Methylated: Do You Need a Non-Methylated Supplement? (2)

Common methylated nutrients include:

  • S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe)
  • L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate, or L-5-MTHF (an “active” form of folate, also known as just L-methylfolate)
  • Methylcobalamin (an “active” form of vitamin B12)
  • Trimethylglycine (TMG or Betaine)
  • Inositol
  • Choline
  • Phosphatidylcholine

You can see the word “methyl” within the name of some of these nutrients. In these cases, methylated nutrients are easy to identify. But in other cases, like choline or inositol, you may not realize they are methylated!

What is a Methyl Donor?

Methylated nutrients are your body’s “methyl donors,” or nutrients that carry and transfer methyl groups from one compound to another. This process is called methylation, and it’s vital for the proper functioning of your body and overall health. (1)

Methyl-Free vs. Methylated: Do You Need a Non-Methylated Supplement? (3)

The body’s primary methyl donor is S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), and it is created from methylated forms of vitamin B12 and folate, known as methylcobalamin and methylfolate. From B12, folate, and a compound called homocysteine, the amino acid methionine is formed. Methionine is a precursor to SAMe. Once SAMe is created, it can donate its methyl groups to various tissues and molecules throughout your body. This process is known as your methylation pathway. It is important to note here, that although there are many enzymes and nutrients involved in your methylation pathway, it is methylated B12 (methylcobalamin) and methylated folate (methylfolate) that initiate the methylation pathway and provide necessary methyl groups. If these nutrients are low, your methylation pathway could be sluggish.

Methyl-Free vs. Methylated: Do You Need a Non-Methylated Supplement? (4)

Why Does Methylation Matter?

Though the word “methylation” may be entirely new for you, it is a fundamental process for optimizing your health.

Methylation, and the opposite process of demethylation, is a cycle continually happening to keep your body’s “switches” turned on or off as needed, and all of the machinery running smoothly.

You might be familiar with DNA methylation, which is the transfer of a methyl group onto your DNA, to literally turn a gene ‘on’ or ‘off.’ This concept is known as epigenetics. (1, 2, 3)

Methyl-Free vs. Methylated: Do You Need a Non-Methylated Supplement? (5)

Methylation allows for your organ systems’ functioning, such as the cardiovascular system, detoxification, and reproductive system. You need methylation to be working correctly to produce melatonin so you can sleep, balance important hormones, and assist with neurotransmitters that help maintain focus and a positive mood! (1, 2, 3)

In fact, our bodies use methyl groups to turn genes ‘on’ and ‘off’ in the various types of body tissues. Have you ever wondered how DNA is the same in every cell, yet we do not have eyeball cells in our belly button or ear cells on our lips? That’s because methyl groups sit on portions of our genes and tell them when to be read and when not to be read. This process of changing gene function without actually changing the genes is called epigenetics, and methylation plays a significant role in it. (1, 2, 3)

In short, methylation is an essential process that helps your body to develop and respond to its environment. It helps us move, transform, and grow!

What Causes Poor Methylation?

Ok, so now you understand that methylated nutrients act as methyl donors by providing the methyl groups necessary to make methylation happen. But where do methyl groups come from in the first place? One of the primary sources is from folates in foods. The Latin root of folate is folium, as in foliage, since dark green leafy vegetables are rich sources of folate.

Our body converts folate from foods into a special form of folate with a methyl group on it. This methylated ‘active’ folate is referred to as 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF). In supplements, you may see this form of folate referred to as L-5-MTHF.

An important enzyme called MTHFR is needed to carry out the critical final step of making 5-MTHF. Unfortunately, up to 60% of the general population has slowed enzyme activity due to genetic variations within the MTHFR gene. In order for the MTHFR gene to function, it needs riboflavin (B2) as a cofactor and folate as a substrate. (4, 5, 6)

Methyl-Free vs. Methylated: Do You Need a Non-Methylated Supplement? (6)

Many people have variations or single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in their MTHFR gene. This can produce a slower or inadequate MTHFR enzyme, contributing to lower methylfolate levels, and therefore poor production of SAMe for methylation.

Besides your MTHFR gene, other factors can slow down your methylation pathway. SNPs in your BHMT, CBS, and MTR genes can contribute to higher homocysteine levels, which can put stress on your methylation cycle. A build-up of homocysteine can also put stress on your cardiovascular system and lead to potential heart issues. (7)

There are many other factors involved, and it is best to work with a qualified healthcare professional to determine your methylation status. Your health professional will be able to order lab tests and evaluate your symptoms to see patterns that represent a dysfunctioning methylation pathway.

Testing and Treatment for Methylation Issues

Ask your healthcare professional to run the following tests to determine methylation function and status:

  • Methylation Panel blood test
  • Homocysteine blood test
  • B12 and folate marker test
  • Genetic test that evaluates MTHFR SNPs, as well as other methylation pathway genes such as MTR, MTRR, BHMT, and CBS

Learn 7 signs you need methylation support here.

If you or your health professional have concerns about methylation, most likely you will be prescribed a methylation support supplement that includes the following:

  • Methylfolate
  • Methylcobalamin
  • Choline
  • Trimethylglycine (TMG)
  • SAMe
  • And other B vitamins

These nutrients will act as methyl donors that help to push your methylation pathway, replenish folate and B12, and reach optimal health.

Methylated nutrients can be found in multivitamins, prenatal vitamins, B complexes, or standalone methylation support products.

Side Effects of Methylated Nutrients

Some people react poorly to methylated nutrients. If you have had adverse side effects after taking anything with B vitamins in it, you may be sensitive to methylated nutrients.

You might experience:

  • Nervousness
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Headaches
  • And possibly other uncomfortable symptoms

These may take days to subside and can cause extreme discomfort in some. Keep in mind that the side effects mimic many other common concerns and issues, such as intolerances. This is why methylation side effects must be addressed with a qualified healthcare professional to rule out any other possibilities or sensitivities.

However, if you have determined that your symptoms are solely associated with methylated nutrients, then you may be a perfect candidate for a “methyl-free” alternative.

Methyl-Free Nutrients

Methyl-free supplements are formulated to be free from methylated nutrients and instead contain methyl-free alternatives.

Though there are not methyl-free alternatives to every methylated nutrient, there are alternatives to B12 and folate.

You can find these alternatives in some multivitamins, B vitamins, or prenatals that are labeled:

  • “Methyl-free”
  • “Free from methyls”
  • “Non-methylated”
  • “MF”

You can also find them as standalone B12 and folate products.

See all of Seeking Health’s Methyl-Free Products here.

Remember that methylated folate and B12 are what helps to provide the methyl groups to create SAMe (your body’s main methyl donor). However, your body can create methylfolate and methylcobalamin from bioactive, non-methyl forms.

When you supplement with non-methylated forms, you are still able to provide your body with folate and B12. It just takes a few more enzyme steps before the methyl groups are available. This slower delivery may be beneficial to people who are sensitive to methylated nutrients.

Non-methylated folate and B12 can be found in dietary supplements as the following names:

  • Methyl-free folate is available as folinic acid (also known as calcium folinate on your supplement label)
    • Folinic acid is only a couple of enzymatic steps behind the most bioavailable form of methylfolate, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF). It is therefore easy for your body to convert folinic acid into the active form 5-MTHF. (Note that folinic acid is NOT to be confused with the human-made version of folate, folic acid, which you will never find in any of our products!)
  • Methyl-Free B12 is available in two forms, Hydroxocobalamin and Adenosylcobalamin
    • Both of these become converted into methylcobalamin in the body, by providing the necessary ‘cobalamin’ groups needed to create methylcobalamin.

Non-Methylated Nutrients & Methylation

So here is an important question: If you take these non-methylated versions, do they still support methylation and MTHFR gene mutations?

The answer is yes! In fact, methyl-free versions are great bioactive alternatives to methylated nutrients. This is because they rely on your body to turn them into the “active” forms, which is thought to be self-regulating.

Let’s look at the Folate Pathway as an example:

Methyl-Free vs. Methylated: Do You Need a Non-Methylated Supplement? (7)

As you can see, folinic acid (non-methylated version of folate) is only two steps behind L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), the methylated, active version of folate that you need.

In fact, you will see that food folate (such as folate from dark leafy greens) can be upwards to 8 steps behind 5-MTHF. That means if you avoid folate supplementation altogether due to side effects, and try to get folate solely from food folates (i.e. leafy greens), your body has to do a lot more work to create the active form of folate, methylfolate (5-MTHF).

When it comes to supporting your methylation cycle (including the MTHFR gene), these non-methylated forms are more enzymatically efficient than food forms of folate.

There are things you can do to even further improve the folinic acid conversion to methylfolate.

Look at the Folate Pathway again. Check out the MTHFR and SHMT genes, both which help to convert folinic acid to 5-MTHF. You can support them by ensuring adequate nutrient cofactors, while reducing the inhibitors (stress, medications, etc). MTHFR requires riboflavin as a cofactor, and SHMT requires magnesium as a cofactor. Getting adequate riboflavin and magnesium in your diet will help this conversion along.

Methyl-Free vs. Methylated: Do You Need a Non-Methylated Supplement? (8)

Folic acid is commonly prescribed by doctors today as a “folate” supplement, however, it has the ability to slow several enzymes in the Folate Pathway, ironically reducing folate levels overall. It can even block folate receptors in some cases.*

Stress, toxins, and certain medications can further reduce MTHFR enzyme function. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional about detoxification marker testing (such as organic acids testing) to determine if your toxic overload may be preventing proper methylation. Taking these actions to improve your folate pathway, and consuming folinic acid, helps to replenish your levels of methylfolate precursors, which, in turn, helps produce methylfolate naturally.

Non-Methylated Nutrients & MTHFR

By now, you understand that your body has the ability to produce methylfolate from precursors. A slowed-down MTHFR gene variation doesn’t mean that you need to supplement with methylated nutrients. Instead, you can ensure adequate nutrient cofactors to support your MTHFR enzyme function (i.e. supplementing with the MTHFR enzyme’s primary cofactor, riboflavin). Work towards eliminating stress, toxins, and folic acid. Talk to your healthcare provider about supplementing with methyl-free folate (folinic acid) and methyl-free B12 (hydroxocobalamin or adenosylcobalamin).

Methyl-Free Supplements

Seeking Health offers methyl-free options for prenatal vitamins, multivitamins, and B vitamins. Each of these products contain bioactive folinic acid, hydroxocobalamin, and adenosylcobalamin as methyl-free forms of folate and B12.

  • Optimal Prenatal Methyl-Free: A powerful, nutrient-dense prenatal vitamin that is free from choline and inositol. It features folate as folinic acid, and B12 as hydroxocobalamin and adenosylcobalamin.
  • Prenatal Essentials Methyl-Free: A concise, yet powerful prenatal vitamin that is free from choline and inositol. It features folate as folinic acid, and B12 as hydroxocobalamin and adenosylcobalamin.
  • B Complex Plus Methyl-Free: This potent B complex features methyl-free versions of all B vitamins, including B12 and folate.
  • Optimal Multivitamin Minus One: This single-capsule serving multivitamin features methyl-free B12 and folate.
  • Hydroxo B12 with Folinic Acid: This delicious and optimally-absorbing lozenge contains potent servings of methyl-free B12 (hydroxocobalamin) and folate (folinic acid).*
  • Hydroxo B12: Potent serving of hydroxocobalamin in a delicious lozenge format.
  • Adeno B12: Potent serving of adenosylcobalamin in a delicious lozenge format.

Formulated by methylation and MTHFR expert Dr. Ben Lynch, Seeking Health methyl-free formulas were designed to support your methylation pathway without the uncomfortable side effects!*

B12- & Folate-Free Supplements

Are you looking for products that are completely free from B12 and folate? You’ve come to the right place! Seeking Health has options for you:

  • Optimal Start: A multivitamin that is completely free from folate, vitamin B12, D3, K2, iron, and copper to accommodate those with sensitivities, and allow for customized dosing of these nutrients
  • B-Minus: This B complex is free from B12 and folate to allow for customized dosing of these nutrients.

Keep in mind that B12 and folate are essential vitamins for methylation and, therefore, fertility, heart health, sleep, mood, and so much more. Many customers love to pair these B12- and folate-free options with our popular Active B12 with L-5-MTHF or Hydroxo B12 with Folinic Acid for independent and customized dosing of these critical nutrients.

The Bottom Line

Methylation is a necessary process in your body that involves the transfer of a “methyl group” from one substance to another. You get these methyl groups from methylated nutrients, such as methylfolate. Methylation keeps all of your “machinery” working right, including major organ systems, and even genetic expression.

However, many sensitive individuals get side effects such as nervousness and rapid heartbeat after taking methylated nutrients. Though methylfolate is essential for methylation, it is not the only option for supporting methylation and your MTHFR gene. Folinic acid (a non-methylated form of folate) and hydroxocobalamin or adenosylcobalamin B12 (non-methylated forms of vitamin B12) are excellent, bioactive alternatives that can support your methylation pathway. For individuals who are sensitive to methyl groups, these methyl-free alternatives might just be the best route.

Check out Seeking Health’s line of methyl-free prenatal vitamins, multivitamins, and B complexes to help support optimal health without the uncomfortable side effects!*

View Seeking Health’s Methyl-Free Supplements here.

References

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1734882/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6147084/
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3174260/
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2430358/
  5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23437053/
  6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26939404/
  7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4326479/

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

†This information is for educational purposes only. No product results are implied.

Topics: Folate, Methyl-Free, Methylation, MTHFR, Products, Supplementation

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Comments (4)

  • Methyl-Free vs. Methylated: Do You Need a Non-Methylated Supplement? (9)

    Marilyn

    | #

    Hidy Ben, Myself and two adult children all work with having MTHFR. Therefore, I like to print many of your articles that come via your newsletter. It would be really really wonderful if you were able to ask your ‘tech’ people to have a print version of each article to save me printing lots of extraneous things that appear on the page where the interesting article is (you know, saves paper, time, ink, etc.!) Lots of thanks in anticipation, Marilyn

    Reply

    • Methyl-Free vs. Methylated: Do You Need a Non-Methylated Supplement? (10)

      Karen Ward

      | #

      Thank you for your comments, we will work on a better printed version of the articles.

      Reply

  • Methyl-Free vs. Methylated: Do You Need a Non-Methylated Supplement? (11)

    Barbara Krall

    | #

    THANK YOU, DR LYNCH for this comprehensive yet very understandable article! I have been a fan of Seeking Health products and your website for several years. Methylation and MTHRF can be complicated subjects to understand — I have read extensively about it, think I understand it but have never been able to explain it simply to someone else.

    Luckily, I have one of the mildest varieties of MTHFR (hetero C677T). Although, when initially starting folate supplementation, even my functional medicine PCP way overdid it with 2 mg of (6S)-5-Methyltetrahydrofolic acid glucosamine salt. After my body ramped up its methylation cycle and then ran out of potassium to feed the increased rate of cell division, I eventually had “panic attacks” (really low potassium attacks).

    I am one that does much better with the non-methylated folinic acid / calcium folate.

    Reply

  • Methyl-Free vs. Methylated: Do You Need a Non-Methylated Supplement? (12)

    Fuertsch Suzanne

    | #

    My husband has major side effects..We think! Trying to figure it all out. Rapid heart beat..Tightness in stomach and around liver area.. Patchy redness on skin. Itchy feeling on inside of body. Could that be a reaction to the vitamins he is taking for his C677T..

    Reply

Leave a comment

Methyl-Free vs. Methylated: Do You Need a Non-Methylated Supplement? (2024)

FAQs

Do I need methylated vitamins? ›

The benefits of vitamins in the methyl groups are proven and well documented. They help provide energy, balance hormones, limit homocysteine levels, and even help alleviate a cloudy mind and depression. Yet, any supplement can only be so effective when it's not paired with a healthy lifestyle and diet.

Is methyl and methylated the same? ›

A methylated nutrient is a compound attached to a molecule made up of one carbon and three hydrogens, known as a “methyl group” (CH3).

What does it mean when a supplement is methylated? ›

Whether shopping online or browsing the B vitamins section at a health store, you may have noticed certain bottles are labeled as “methylated.” Methylation is simply a process that happens continuously in our cells. “Methylated” B vitamins have undergone this process, which makes them more bioavailable for absorption.

Does B12 need to be methylated? ›

While folate, vitamin B12, and betaine are essential for methylation, they are not the only nutrients needed.

How do I know if I need methylfolate? ›

Methylfolate Deficiency Signs and Symptoms

Being tired or fatigued, even after you have slept. Having headaches or feeling dizzy. Experiencing neurological issues like tingling or burning ("pins and needles"), especially in your hands and feet, or numbness.

Can methylfolate be harmful? ›

Many people using this product do not have serious side effects. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness, trouble breathing.

Do I need to take B12 with methylfolate? ›

Those with an MTHFR polymorphism cannot metabolize folate or B12 properly, so they would be well advised to take the methylated forms of both of these nutrients: methylfolate (5-MTHF) and methylated vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin/methyl-B12 and adenosylcobalamin).

Should you take B12 and methylfolate together? ›

No interactions were found between l-methylfolate and Vitamin B12.

Can methylated B vitamins cause anxiety? ›

Choose your methylfolate dosage with caution, together with your doctor to prevent over-methylation. Taking too much methylfolate can cause side effects, such as severe anxiety, nausea, insomnia, migraines, irritability, achy joints, headaches, and more.

What is non methylated? ›

Non-methylated islands (NMIs) of DNA are genomic regions that are important for gene regulation and development. A recent study of genome-wide non-methylation data in vertebrates by Long et al.

How can I increase my methylation naturally? ›

To improve DNA methylation, you can start by adding a few key nutrients, such as folate, B vitamins, and choline, to your diet. Across several studies, these vitamins and nutrients appear to play a role in DNA methylation. As well, they'll also improve your overall health.

What does over methylation feel like? ›

Also known as hypermethylation, overmethylation can result from a range of factors and may be linked to MTHFR single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). It can lead to poor concentration, anxiety, panic attacks, sleep disorders, and sensitivities to environmental toxins, among other symptoms.

What is the best form of vitamin B12 to take? ›

Methylcobalamin is the most bio-available type of Vitamin B12 which means the body absorbs it more easily. Naturally occurring, it is found in animal-based foods such as meat, fish, milk and eggs so Methylcobalamin B12 is readily available in many people's daily diets.

Who needs methylated vitamins? ›

Many people are genetically predisposed to having inadequate methylation. For many, B vitamins supplements may not be enough. In the US as many as 60% of the population have a genetic defect that inhibits the process of turning folic acid into its active component, 5-MTHF, needed for methylation.

Is methylated B12 better? ›

Studies have shown that cyanocobalamin is known to absorb slightly better within the body while methylcobalamin is considered to retain better and for longer. Both are excellent at providing nutritional value of vitamin B12 to the body.

What is the best form of folate to take? ›

But for many people lifestyle factors, popularly used medications or common gene mutations deplete their folate stores. For these individuals AND for the rest of us, methylfolate is the best dietary form of folate. Methylfolate (technically methyltetrahydrofolate) is the body's most active form of folate.

Who should not take L-methylfolate? ›

You should not use l-methylfolate if you are allergic to it. To make sure l-methylfolate is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have: seizures or epilepsy; a history of vitamin B12 deficiency or pernicious anemia; or.

What is the best form of methylfolate? ›

“L” vs “6(S)” When looking for methylfolate, you want the “L” or “6(S)” form — these are most biologically active. The “D” or “R” forms of methylfolate are not as good because they are less bioavailable. Thus, it's important to look closely at the form of methylfolate on your supplement label.

Is methylfolate the same as methylated folic acid? ›

What Is Methylfolate And Why The Change? Folate or folic acid is in fact Vitamin B9. Methylfolate is the more active and natural form of folate. Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate.

Can methylfolate make depression worse? ›

In this real-world study, patients with depression taking l-methylfolate reported significant improvements in depressive symptoms and functioning, with 67.9% of patients responding and 45.7% achieving remission over 12 weeks.

Can methylfolate cause heart palpitations? ›

Those with MTHFR taking methylfolate can experience many severe side effects, including gut inflammation and other types of pain and discomfort such as achy joints, sore muscles, and migraines. Severe side effects including mood changes and even heart palpitations are known to occur.

What supplements should I take if I have MTHFR? ›

Supplement with essential nutrients

Methyl-B12, methyl-folate, TMG, N-acetylcysteine, riboflavin, curcumin, fish oil, Vitamins C, D, E, and probiotics are excellent supplements your body will love more so if you have an MTHFR mutation.

Is it better to take folic acid or methylfolate? ›

While large-scale studies haven't yet been conducted with methylfolate to directly compare it to folic acid, the studies we do have show that methylfolate is as good as (or better than) folic acid in terms of increasing folate levels in red blood cells and serum— meaning a comparable amount of folate is available in ...

Can you take too much methylated B12? ›

While the recommended daily amount of vitamin B-12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms, higher doses have been found to be safe. Your body absorbs only as much as it needs, and any excess passes through your urine. High doses of vitamin B-12, such as those used to treat a deficiency, might cause: Headache.

Why can't you take vitamin C and B12 together? ›

Vitamin C and B12

According to Dr. Airey, some studies have shown that Vitamin C could break down Vitamin B12 in your digestive tract, reducing your B12 absorption. As a result, he says you want to wait at least two hours before taking Vitamin C with your Vitamin B12.

Can methyl B12 cause anxiety? ›

The Mental Health/B12 Link

Having a B12 deficiency puts you at risk for developing depression and anxiety, fatigue, and can worsen hypothyroid and other health concerns.

How long should you take methylfolate? ›

Most readers who are not in psychiatric care will be interested in trying methylfolate as a mono-therapy. My advice would be to try taking 15mg for 1-4 weeks on a trial basis to see if you feel any different. If it does not help, you can stop taking it. If it helps, continue taking it for 6-12 months.

How do you know if you are an Overmethylation? ›

The key feature I look for in overmethylation is someone who has blunted emotion. They may have a high pain threshold. They often need to feel pain to feel alive. They could be thrill seekers.

How do you know if you have a methylation problem? ›

Some of the symptoms of methylation disorder include abnormal immune function, cognitive problems, chronic inflammation, neurotransmitter imbalance, psychiatric disorders, abnormal immune function, autoimmune disease, chronic fatigue, cancer, food, and chemical sensitivities.

Does methylfolate increase anxiety? ›

However, not all studies on the subject have found that taking l-methylfolate causes a significant reduction in symptoms. In some people, l-methylfolate can cause side effects, such as anxiety or digestive symptoms. It is also unsuitable for those who take certain medications or have some health conditions.

Is methylated or unmethylated better? ›

Graphical abstract. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that patients with methylated MGMT GBM had better overall survival compared with unmethylated MGMT (median: 25.5 vs 12.4 months).

Is methylfolate the same as B12? ›

It is a genetic mutation, and approximately 30% of the population worldwide has it. The mutation affects the ability of the body to turn vitamin B12 and folate into forms the body can utilize. Useable forms of B12 and folate are called methylcobalamin and methylfolate respectively.

Does methyl B12 have side effects? ›

Common side effects of methylcobalamin may include:

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; loss of appetite; or. headache.

What is the most common symptom of poor methylation? ›

Fatigue is perhaps the most common symptom of problems with methylation. Other symptoms or conditions can include: Anxiety. Depression.

Does vitamin D increase methylation? ›

Vitamin D stimulation has also been shown to influence global methylation markers [18], and to alter the methylation status of multiple genes in multiple pathways, including those related to cell cycle regulation [19], [20], [21], [22].

Does coffee increase methylation? ›

High coffee intake correlates with: Lower methylation at CpGs annotated to the AHRR gene (previously reported) and the F2RL3, GFI1, and IER3 genes, which may influence the risk of cancer/cardiovascular disease.

What diseases are caused by methylation? ›

Abstract. DNA methylation, a process of adding a methyl group to DNA done by a DNA methyltransferase is a heritable (epigenetic) alteration leading to cancer, atherosclerosis, nervous disorders (Imprinting disorders), and cardiovascular diseases.

Does exercise increase methylation? ›

It has been shown that exercise is able to reduce the level of methylation of this gene and therefore exercise can be used to improve the health of patients [64]. Aerobic exercise through methylation was also found to be beneficial for brain development and function.

How can methylation be damaging? ›

DNA methylation is a reversible epigenetic mark, which has been implicated in DNA damage signaling, repair and replication. Sites of DNA methylation can trigger mutations, which are drivers of human diseases including cancer.

What is the best supplement to take for B12 deficiency? ›

Healthline's picks of the best vitamin B12 supplements
  • Best chewable: NOW Foods Methyl B-12.
  • Best spray: Garden of Life mykind Organic Whole Food B-12 Spray.
  • Best budget-friendly: Nature Made B12 Softgels.
  • Best allergen-free: Pure Encapsulations Methylcobalamin.
  • Best high dose: Amazon Elements Vitamin B12.
26 Oct 2022

What is the difference between B12 and methyl B12? ›

Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic form of vitamin B12 found only in supplements, while methylcobalamin is a naturally occurring form that you can get through either food sources or supplements.

Who should not take methylcobalamin? ›

You should not use methylcobalamin if you are allergic to vitamin B12 or cobalt. Tell your doctor if you have ever had: Leber's disease or other form of optic nerve damage; an iron or folic acid deficiency; or.

Is methylcobalamin the same as methylated? ›

Methylated B12 is called methylcobalamin.

Who needs Methylfolate? ›

L-methylfolate is a medical food for use in people who have conditions related to folate deficiency. L-methylfolate is also used in people with major depressive disorder who have folate deficiency, or in people with schizophrenia who have hyperhomocysteinemia related to folate deficiency.

Why does B12 need to be methylated? ›

“Methylated” B vitamins have undergone this process, which makes them more bioavailable for absorption. “Optimal methylation is necessary for many reactions in the body,” says Ivanir. “Vitamins such as folic acid (vitamin B9) need to be converted in the body into their active or methylated form to be used.

Do all B vitamins need to be methylated? ›

It's important to note that some B vitamins are essential for the methylation pathway but aren't methylated. The biochemical process of methylation and the chemical structure of the vitamin are two different concepts. Vitamin B2 and B6, for example, are involved in the methylation cycle but are not methylated.

Are methylated vitamins better or worse? ›

Methylated vitamins work in a similar fashion. They are already in their active state, so the rate at which they can be absorbed by the body is much greater than unmethylated vitamins, which means the body can utilize those nutrients faster.

Are multi vitamins really necessary? ›

Are Multivitamins necessary? Most experts agree that normal, healthy adults who eat a balanced diet have no need for a multivitamin. Taking a daily multivitamin doesn't pose much of a risk for most people, but they often use it as an insurance policy for a bad diet.

What happens if you have poor methylation? ›

Impaired methylation results in decreased production of dopamine. The altered dopamine levels ultimately lead to altered levels of the other neurotransmitters. As a result, these individuals lack focus, concentration, short-term memory, organization, emotional stability, good sleep hygiene, and hormone regulation.

Do doctors recommend a daily multivitamin? ›

If you take a multivitamin, it's probably because you want to do everything you can to protect your health. But there is still limited evidence that a daily cocktail of essential vitamins and minerals actually delivers what you expect. Most studies find no benefit from multivitamins in protecting the brain or heart.

What happens when you take multi vitamins everyday? ›

A recent study of 14,000 men aged 50 and older found that daily multivitamin supplementation “significantly reduced the risk of total cancer.” Boosts immunity: Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant known for strengthening the immune system. Vitamins D and E boost immunity, too.

What is the most important vitamin for your body? ›

The role it plays in so many bodily functions and the staggering amount of people who are deficient in it makes Vitamin D the most important vitamin for your body overall, and there's a good chance that you are not getting enough.

What vitamins should I take with MTHFR? ›

Supplement with essential nutrients

Methyl-B12, methyl-folate, TMG, N-acetylcysteine, riboflavin, curcumin, fish oil, Vitamins C, D, E, and probiotics are excellent supplements your body will love more so if you have an MTHFR mutation.

What vitamins help methylation? ›

Vitamins that help the methylation cycle

Vitamins B2, B6 and B12 are needed for the activity of particular enzymes used by this cycle. Folate (vitamin B9) is a vital nutrient which helps to produce methyl groups which in turn helps methylation to take place.

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