About one-third of American adults take multivitamins to help with their problems. malnutrition or specific dietary needs. Multivitamins are an option to supplement the nutrients you don’t get from your diet, but keep in mind that the quality and amount of multivitamins you take can vary.
However, not everyone can enjoy the maximum benefits that a regular multivitamin has to offer. Methylated multivitamins may be a better option for a variety of reasons.
What are methylated vitamins?
When a vitamin is methylated, it means that a methyl group has been added to the vitamin. This ensures that the vitamin is available in its active form for digestion. Known as CH3. methyl group It consists of three hydrogen atoms bonded to one carbon atom. Because these vitamins already have methyl groups attached to them, the body can more easily absorb and utilize these vitamins.
One of the most common forms of these multivitamins is Vitamin B group. This includes vitamins B12 (methylcobalamin), B9 (methylfolate), B6 ​​(pyridoxal 5′-phosphate), and B2 (riboflavin-5-phosphate). It is important to note that not all methylated multivitamins contain all types of B vitamins. Different manufacturers offer different combinations and dosages.
Methylated multivitamins have other benefits besides improved absorption. These include: neurotransmitterswhich may improve mood and support cognitive function. Methylated B vitamins reduce fatigue by converting food into usable energy. Another important role of methylated vitamins is to lower homocysteine ​​levels in the blood. Methylated vitamins support cardiovascular health, as high levels of homocysteine ​​are associated with heart disease.
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Benefits of Methylated Multivitamins
For people who have no problems converting or absorbing regular vitamins into their active forms, methylation probably won’t have much of an effect. However, methylated multivitamins can help certain people.
These include people with gastrointestinal disorders in which malabsorption is a factor, and people with symptoms such as: MTHFR Genetic mutations, athletes, pregnant (check with your doctor), elderly – as the body absorbs nutrients less with age. Methylated vitamins do not automatically provide additional benefits, but they can be helpful for those who require the bioavailability of methylation.
As with any supplement, it’s best to choose a brand that has been third-party tested to ensure safety and accuracy. When choosing a methylated vitamin, it is also important to be aware of all the vitamins and/or minerals it contains. Unneeded or unwanted ingredients may have been added, or the dosage of methylated B vitamins may be too high. Methylated multivitamins are available in capsules, tablets, and gummies.
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Side effects associated with methylated multivitamins
There is a possibility side effects This is caused by taking too many methylated multivitamins or taking them too often. Because multivitamins contain some B vitamins in methylated form, it may not be possible to know which particular vitamin is causing side effects or when they occur. Note that unmethylated B vitamins can cause the same side effects, including anxiety, excitement, irritability, headaches, nausea, neuropathy, insomnia, and pain.
Methylated multivitamins can interact with certain medications and can cause symptoms such as: Adverse health effects. Patients should check with their healthcare provider before starting to take a methylated multivitamin if they are taking any diabetes medications, anti-seizure medications, certain antibiotics, or medications that reduce stomach acid. .
If you have a history of seizure disorders, liver problems, bipolar disorder, or pernicious anemia, consult your doctor before taking a methylated multivitamin.
This article does not provide medical advice and should be used for informational purposes only.
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Allison Futterman is a writer based in Charlotte, North Carolina, whose science, history, and medical/health writing has appeared on a variety of platforms and in local and national publications. These include magazines such as Charlotte, People, Our State, and Philanthropy. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and a master’s degree in criminal justice.
