What is Methylated B?

A certain percentage of the population –possibly as high as 30%- is unable to metabolize the unmethylated forms of specific B vitamins, namely Folate and Vitamin B12. The active forms of these B vitamins are referred to as the methylated form. This is the form that your body can actually utilize.

With so many points to consider when supplementing the diet, you may be ready to throw your hands up at the thought of yet another decision factor. Yet Methylation is a current hot topic in the world of health and wellness, and it’s an important one at that. So, if you’re wondering what methylated vitamins are all about, and what you need to know concerning your nutrition, you’ve come to the right place.

The Role of a Vitamin

Before we dive into the why methylation matters, let’s take a step back to why vitamins matter. A nutrient is referred to as a “vitamin” when it’s essential for health, and our bodies cannot manufacture adequate quantities of it.  We have to get vitamins through the diet or by taking a supplement. And, getting the vitamin into our bodies is not the end of this journey. A vitamin needs to be present in its active form to perform its many jobs. Every vitamin is responsible for crucial roles in supporting health and wellness, and vitamins are often interdependent.

Why Does Methylation Matter?

Let’s look at folate as an example. Many of us know about the importance of folate during pregnancy for the healthy growth and development of the baby.* In adults, folate is also needed to produce healthy red blood cells, as well as to maintain healthy levels of a compound called homocysteine. * The active form of folate is the methylated form. This is the form that your body can actually utilize, and is officially referred to as 5-MTHF (5-Methyltetrahydrofolate, if you want to get really technical!).

Why all the Buzz?

…Because it’s widely understood that a certain percentage (possibly as high as 30%) of the population is unable to metabolize the unmethylated forms of specific B vitamins, namely Folate and Vitamin B12.* This is a big deal! Genetic testing has become increasingly more accessible to the public for identifying carriers of one (or both) of the genetic abnormalities, C677t and A1298c, that prevent the metabolism of unmethylated forms of B vitamins.* For that, it’s easy to see why an increasing number of consumers are now concerned with methylation.

Methylated B Option

Because the inability to methylate is such a widespread concern, MegaFood has a product to support all individuals looking to supplement with B vitamins. This product is suitable for those that do have the gene abnormalities in question, as well as those who do not.  To learn more about Methyl B12, visit Part 2 of Why Methylation Matters.  

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Erin Stokes, ND is the Medical Director at MegaFood. Erin is a Naturopathic Doctor, Mom, and outdoor enthusiast. She is passionate about the power of education. Erin’s personal mission is to empower people with the inspiration and tools to change their lives.

* This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.