Although these vitamins share some characteristics, they all have unique functions and are needed in different amounts. When you ingest cyanocobalamin, it can be converted to both of the active forms of vitamin B12, methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin. One study found that supplementing with a vitamin containing B12, B6, and folic acid led to a more enhanced and lasting antidepressant response over 1 year, compared with a placebo ( 30). While B-complex vitamin supplements are not a cure for mental health conditions, they may help improve symptoms of depression or anxiety.

However, each have a different molecule attached to the cobalt ion. While methylcobalamin contains a methyl group, cyanocobalamin contains a cyanide molecule. Advanced – Provides the metabolically active forms of B vitamins including folate as methylfolate, vitamin B12 as methylcobalamin and vitamin B6 as P-5-P While certain conditions make it necessary for some people to supplement with B-complex vitamins, research has shown that taking a B vitamin supplement may be helpful even for people who don’t have an increased need for these nutrients. May reduce stress and boost mood Avoiding alcohol, excessive caffeine and smoking can also help improve your body’s methylation ability. Additionally, the MTHFR genetic mutation can affect how your body metabolizes folate, which can lead to a folate deficiency and other health concerns ( 21).Both cyanocobalamin and methylcobalamin are reduced to a cobalamin molecule that’s converted to the active forms of this vitamin within the cells of the body ( 11). If pregnant, breast feeding, taking medication, or have a medical condition, please consult your Doctor before use. Similarly, another study showed that taking cyanocobalamin capsules for 3 months also increased vitamin B12 levels in 10 people with pernicious anemia, a condition caused by impaired B12 absorption ( 14).

B1 (thiamine). Thiamine plays an essential role in metabolism by helping convert nutrients into energy. The richest food sources include pork, sunflower seeds, and wheat germ ( 1). Unfortunately roughly 40% of the population in the US has a genetic variation affecting the MTHFR gene that can make it difficult for them to produce enough 5-MTHF to run the methylation process efficiently. Vegans and strict vegetarians could be at risk of developing a B12 deficiency if they don’t get enough of this vitamin through fortified foods or supplements ( 23). High doses of supplemental B3 (niacin) may lead to vomiting, high blood sugar levels, skin flushing, and even liver damage ( 34). Health4All Methyl B Complex features bioavailable, pre-methylated, active forms of B-vitamins: L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate, Pyridoxal 5′-phosphate and Methylcobalamin, enriched with co-factors: PABA, Choline, Myo-Inositol and Dimethylglycine, with Vitamin B3 in both forms: as Nicotinic Acid and Nicotinamide, and together with Thiamin, Riboflavin, Biotin and Pantothenic Acid.

One review of seven studies showed that both methylcobalamin and a B-complex containing cyanocobalamin were effective in reducing symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, a complication of diabetes that leads to nerve damage ( 15).

When methylation occurs, it has a positive impact on chemical reactions in the body that help regulate detoxification, cardiovascular, neurological and reproductive systems in the body including those related to:If you know you have this genetic mutation or suspect it, then taking supplements that are in their active form can help support optimum methylation. The 7 Nutrients Needed for Methlylation Include: Additionally, high doses of B6 can cause nerve damage, light sensitivity, and painful skin lesions ( 35). Note that low blood levels of certain B vitamins, including B12, B6, and folate, have been linked to an increased risk of depression, which is why it’s important to rule out nutrient deficiencies if you are experiencing symptoms of depression ( 31, 32). Summary You might have heard of Methylated B Vitamins but perhaps you’re not sure what to look for on a supplement bottle or why you would want them. Keep reading to learn what methylation means, who might have methylation issues and how to read supplement bottles to determine what vitamins are methylated and which aren’t. What is Methylation?

Some studies suggest that your body may absorb cyanocobalamin slightly better than methylcobalamin. Methyl B Complex delivers all eight water-soluble B-vitamins in their bioavailable forms together with co-factors. While another essential nutrient, choline, was formerly considered to be a B-complex vitamin and shares some similarities with them, it is in fact neither a vitamin nor a mineral. Summary Unlike cyanocobalamin, methylcobalamin is a naturally occurring form of vitamin B12 that can be obtained through supplements, as well as food sources like fish, meat, eggs, and milk ( 3, 4). SUMMARY

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For example, proton pump inhibitors, which are medications that lower stomach acid, can decrease the absorption of B12, whereas metformin, a popular diabetes drug, can decrease levels of both B12 and folate ( 24, 25). However, taking supplements that contain excessively high and unnecessary quantities of B vitamins could lead to serious side effects. Simply put, methylation is a biochemical process – it is the transfer of four atoms – one carbon atom and three hydrogen atoms (CH3) – from one substance to another.