What are methylated B vitamins?

You’re no stranger to B vitamins but the word “methylated” may be throwing you for a loop.

Don’t worry. We are here to walk you through what methylated B vitamins are and why they are the preferred variety of this essential vitamin.

What does “methylated” mean?

When a vitamin is methylated it means that it went through a specific biochemical process that involves adding or taking away a methyl group (CH3). 

This process changes how the specific molecules work in the body.

Why is methylation important?

Methylation affects how molecules act in the body. And, when methylation is working as it should, it can help with all kinds of reactions in the body that regulate neurological, reproductive, and cardiovascular systems. 

Methylation plays a role in:

• Neurotransmitter health
• DNA production
• Detoxification
• Eye health
• Mental health
• Brain health
• Nervous system health
• Liver health
• Fat metabolism
• Cellular energy
• And more

When methylation in a vitamin happens, that means the vitamin has a better impact on the body. The methylated form of vitamin B is known as the “active form” which means that it doesn’t have to go through the methylation process in the body. Instead, it is ready to be used immediately. 

This is important because your body feels the effects of vitamin B more quickly. In unmethylated forms, you will likely still get the positive effects of the vitamin, but it will take longer and may not be as effective as the methylated form due to the lack of bioavailability. 

Who benefits from methylated B vitamins?

Everyone stands to benefit from opting for methylated B vitamins as opposed to unmethylated simply because it gives your body one less process to deal with.

It’s better to take the form of the vitamin that is ready to rock and roll and be used by your body ASAP rather than having to run it through your system and potentially lose some of its power along the way.

However, some people benefit even more from methylated B vitamins.

MTHFR gene mutation

Part of the population has a specific gene variation, called MTHFR, that makes it more difficult to convert folic acid (the most common form of folate found in supplements) into the methylated form. 

For these people, having a methylated B vitamin is crucial to the efficacy of the vitamin on their bodies. This is especially true because MTHFR gene mutations are often associated with an increased risk of anxiety and depression. 

By ensuring that those with the MTHFR gene mutation get methylated B vitamins, they reduce the risk of mental health issues.

Hormone imbalances

If you are someone who suffers from PCOS, PSM, endometriosis, or other hormone imbalances, you may benefit greatly from methylated B vitamins. 

Methylation is important when it comes to metabolizing and detoxifying estrogen and if those processes are slow, you may find yourself with a hormone imbalance.

Mental health issues

Methylation is essential to the production of neurotransmitters related to mood including:

• Dopamine
• Serotonin
• Adrenaline
• Noradrenaline

If methylation is not present, then it can affect mood. 

Memory problems (dementia, insomnia, etc.)

If your body is not methylating properly on its own, then you may find yourself with high levels of homocysteine, which can lead to inflammation in both the body and the brain. 

Studies show that poor methylation is linked to cognitive issues including dementia, insomnia, and more. 

How can methylated B vitamins help?

If you find yourself in any of the above scenarios, then your body is not experiencing healthy methylation. 

Don’t worry – we have a solution. 

And it starts with finding a vitamin B supplement that supports methylation, such as our Mood B. This vitamin was developed by doctors and nutritionists to help balance your mood over time. It does this by promoting the bioavailability of nutrients that help to improve your mood while also supporting nerve function. 

Summary

Methylated nutrients are the ones that carry and transfer methyl groups from one compound to another. And this process (called methylation) is crucial to your brain and body’s health. 

If you find that you’re struggling with mental health, hormone imbalances, memory, learning, and more, chances are good that your body is struggling with the methylation process.

You can help boost your body by taking methylated B vitamins. 

Even if you aren’t struggling with any of the above issues, you stand to benefit from taking methylated B vitamins as it helps your body use the B vitamins in the quickest and most efficient way so that you can reap the many rewards of sufficient vitamin B levels.