MTHFR Gene and The Importance of Methyl B12 and Methyl Folate

Did you know that nearly 60% of Americans have a variation in the MTHFR gene? This small genetic difference can significantly affect how your body processes key nutrients like folate and vitamin B12. The MTHFR gene is important because it helps convert non-active folic acid into methyl folate, the active form that your body can use. When you have this gene variation, your body may struggle to make this conversion, which disrupts an essential process called methylation.

Methylation is like your body’s "on-off" switch for various functions. It happens constantly in your cells, influencing everything from DNA repair and detoxification to how your genes are expressed. This delicate process needs to be well-balanced, and the right forms of vitamins, especially methylated B12 and folate, are vital for keeping it running smoothly. Without these active forms, your body may not be able to support proper methylation. That’s why choosing the right supplements is key to optimizing your health, especially if you have an MTHFR gene variation.

Why Methylation Is Important

Methylation affects many essential processes in the body, such as:

• Repairing cells and tissues

• Managing cholesterol and triglycerides

• Producing energy

• Detoxifying chemicals and hormones

• Regulating mood and cognitive function

• Supporting heart, bone, and skin health

• Controlling immune response

If your methylation process is disrupted, it can lead to various health problems, including heart disease, neurological issues, and poor detoxification.

Why Take Methylated B12 and Folate?

To support healthy methylation, two of the most important nutrients to take are the methylated forms of vitamin B12 and folate. These forms — methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin for B12 and methyl folate for folate — are already in their active state, meaning your body can use them immediately. If you take synthetic folic acid (the non-active form) or B12 as cyanocobalamin, your body has to convert them first, which can be inefficient, especially for people with MTHFR gene variations. Taking methylated versions bypasses this issue, ensuring your body gets the nutrients it needs to maintain proper methylation.

All of the B vitamins and folate in Wellness Resources supplements are in the methylated forms. You can find these in Daily Energy Multiple Vitamin, Daily Prenatal Multivitamin, Super Mini Multi, Super Coenzyme B Complex, B12+Folate, and Blood Booster.

Other nutrients like B6, B2, choline, and certain antioxidants also play a role in supporting methylation.

Diet and Lifestyle for Healthy Methylation

A healthy diet is key to supporting methylation. Foods rich in folate and other essential nutrients include leafy greens (like spinach and kale), beets, mushrooms, avocados, eggs, legumes, shellfish, and organ meats.

In addition to diet, exercise has been shown to improve methylation, helping regulate gene expression and promoting overall health. A 2019 study showed that adults who participated in lifelong regular exercise had healthier methylation profiles than those who did not exercise.

Stress management is also important, as high stress can disrupt methylation, leading to negative effects on both physical and mental health.

The Takeaway

Methylation is crucial for gene regulation and overall health. Many people can benefit from taking methylated B12 and folate, especially if they have gene variations that impact methylation. Supporting your body’s methylation process with the right nutrients, a healthy diet, and regular exercise can help mitigate health issues, making a significant difference in your quality of life.

Learn more:

MTHFR Gene Defects, Methylation, and Natural Support