From the Guidelines
Methylated vitamins, specifically methylcobalamin and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, are recommended for individuals with certain genetic mutations, such as MTHFR, and those with a history of stroke or cardiovascular disease, as they have been shown to reduce the risk of stroke by 43% 1.
Benefits of Methylated Vitamins
The use of methylated vitamins has been studied in various contexts, including stroke prevention and homocysteine reduction.
- Methylcobalamin and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate have been found to be more effective than cyanocobalamin and folic acid in reducing homocysteine levels and preventing stroke 1.
- Individuals with MTHFR gene mutations, particularly those with the TT genotype, may benefit from methylated vitamins as they are unable to efficiently convert standard vitamins into their active forms 1.
- Additionally, individuals with a history of stroke or cardiovascular disease may also benefit from methylated vitamins as they have been shown to reduce the risk of stroke by 43% 1.
Important Considerations
When considering the use of methylated vitamins, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider, as they may interact with certain medications or cause side effects in some individuals.
- The recommended dosages for methylated vitamins are:
- Methylfolate: 400-1000 mcg daily
- Methylcobalamin: 500-1000 mcg daily
- Pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P5P): as recommended by a healthcare provider
- It is also important to note that most healthy individuals efficiently process standard vitamins, making methylated forms unnecessary for the general population 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
L-METHYLFOLATE CALCIUM Tablets may be less likely than folic acid to mask vitamin B12 deficiency. 5-MTHF has been shown to enhance antidepressant effects of known antidepressants.
The use of methylated vitamins, such as L-METHYLFOLATE CALCIUM Tablets, may have benefits, including:
- Possibly being less likely to mask vitamin B12 deficiency compared to folic acid
- Enhancing the effects of antidepressants However, it is essential to use these products under medical supervision and direction 2.
From the Research
Benefits of Methylated Vitamins
- Methylated vitamins, such as L-methylfolate and methylcobalamin, may improve pregnancy outcomes in women with epilepsy and MTHFR mutations 3.
- These supplements may also improve retinal tissue perfusion in patients with mild diabetic retinopathy, particularly those with MTHFR polymorphisms 4.
- The use of multivitamin/multimineral supplements, which may include methylated vitamins, can help improve micronutrient intakes and support optimal human health 5.
- Riboflavin supplementation, which is related to the folate cycle, can alter global and gene-specific DNA methylation in adults with the MTHFR 677 TT genotype 6.
- The folate cycle enzyme MTHFR is a critical regulator of cell response to MYC-targeting therapies, and supplementation with the MTHFR enzymatic product CH3-THF may enhance the effects of these therapies 7.
Specific Populations
- Pregnant women with epilepsy and MTHFR mutations may benefit from supplementation with methylated folate and methylcobalamin 3.
- Patients with mild diabetic retinopathy, particularly those with MTHFR polymorphisms, may benefit from supplementation with L-methylfolate and methylcobalamin 4.
- Adults with the MTHFR 677 TT genotype may benefit from riboflavin supplementation to alter DNA methylation 6.
- Patients with acute myeloid leukemia may benefit from supplementation with CH3-THF to enhance the effects of MYC-targeting therapies 7.