Why is it important to supplement B-vitamins in methylated forms?Updated 10 months ago

Methylation of B vitamins is among the biochemical processes that play a key role in their bioavailability and effectiveness in the body. Methylation is involved in key chemical reactions in the body such as energy production, detoxification, mood regulation and immune response. Some forms of B-vitamins, such as B9 (folic acid) and B12 (cyanocobalamin), must be methylated in order to be biologically active in the body and to perform their functions effectively. However, not everyone has the same ability to methylate these vitamins, which is influenced by genetic polymorphisms. An estimate of up to 60% of the population has polymorphisms, i.e. gene changes that affect the ability of this process.

Genetic polymorphisms and methylation of group B vitamins:

Genetic variants, such as a polymorphism in the MTHFR (methyl-tetrahydrofolate reductase) gene, can greatly affect the body's ability to convert unmethylated folic acid into its active form, methylfolate. 

Likewise, a genetic polymorphism can affect the efficiency of the metabolism of vitamin B12, which is essential for healthy red blood cell production and the nervous system. Allelic changes in these genes cause certain enzymes to work less efficiently, reducing the ability to convert vitamins into their active form. This means that people with polymorphisms on these genes have higher requirements for methylated forms of B vitamins.

Homocysteine and the influence of B-vitamins:

Vitamins B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (methylfolate) and B12 (cyanocobalamin) are necessary for the regulation of homocysteine levels in the blood. Homocysteine is an amino acid whose high levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease, vascular problems and cognitive impairment. In people with gene polymorphisms (especially MTHFR), the body may find it harder to convert homocysteine into other metabolites, leading to elevated homocysteine levels. 

Supplementation of methylated forms of B-vitamins can help reduce homocysteine levels and thus prevent the development of these diseases.

Adverse effects of unmethylated forms of group B vitamins:

Intake of unmethylated forms such as synthetic folic acid can stress the body and have several adverse effects, especially in people with genetic polymorphisms. The body may not be able to efficiently convert unmethylated folic acid into the active form, which leads to the accumulation of inactive forms of vitamin B9 in the body.

How can a dysfunctional methylation process manifest itself?

• Accumulation of unmethylated folic acid: Some studies show that high levels of synthetic folic acid in the blood can mask vitamin B12 deficiency and have a negative impact on the immune system.

• Strain on the liver and detoxification processes: The body tries to convert unmethylated forms of vitamins, which can strain the liver, which has to work extra to detoxify unusable forms.

• Insufficient conversion of B-vitamins into an active form: In people with genetic polymorphisms, the body may have trouble obtaining the necessary amount of active forms of specific B vitamins, which can lead to symptoms of their deficiency, such as fatigue, mood deterioration, problems with the nervous system or increased homocysteine level.