Nearly one-third of American adults take multivitamins in an attempt to address this problem undernourishment Or specific nutritional needs. While they are an option for replacing nutrients you may not get from food, it is worth noting that multivitamins vary in quality and dosage amounts.
However, not everyone can get the maximum benefits offered by regular multivitamins. For several reasons, a methylated multivitamin may be the best option.
What is methyl vitamin?
When a vitamin is methylated, it means that methyl groups have been added to it. This makes the vitamins available for digestion in their active form. Known as CH3, a Methyl group It consists of three hydrogen atoms bonded to one carbon atom. Since they already contain methyl groups, the body can absorb and use these vitamins more easily.
One of the most common forms of these multivitamins is B vitamins. This includes vitamins B12 (methylcobalamin), B9 (methylsulfate), B6 (pyridoxal 5′-phosphate), and B2 (riboflavin-5-phosphate). It is important to note that not all methylated multivitamins include all types of B vitamins. Different manufacturers offer different combinations and dosage amounts.
Aside from improving absorption, methylated multivitamins can offer other benefits. These include production Neurotransmitterswhich may improve mood and support cognitive function. Methylated B vitamins can also reduce fatigue by converting food into usable energy. Another important role of methylated vitamins is to lower homocysteine levels in the blood. Since high levels of homocysteine are linked to heart disease, methylated vitamins support cardiovascular health.
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Benefits of methylated multivitamins
For people who don’t have a problem converting or absorbing regular vitamins into their active form, methylation probably won’t have much of an effect. But methylated multivitamins can help some individuals.
This includes people with gastrointestinal diseases where malabsorption is a factor, and people with malabsorption MTHFR Genetic mutation, athletes, pregnant women (check with doctor), elderly – as the body does not absorb nutrients as well as we age. Methylated vitamins do not automatically provide additional benefits – but are useful for those who need methylated bioavailability.
As with any supplement, it’s best to choose a brand that undergoes third-party testing to ensure safety and accuracy. It is also important to be aware of all the vitamins and/or minerals that are included when choosing a methylated vitamin. There may be additional ingredients you don’t need or want, or the doses of methylated B vitamins may be too high. You can find methylated multivitamins in capsules, pills, and gummies.
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Side effects associated with methylated vitamins
There is potential Side effects With methylated multivitamins, you can either take them too much or too often. Because a multivitamin will contain many B vitamins in their methylated form, it may not be possible to know which specific vitamin causes side effects – if or when they occur. Be aware that non-methylated B vitamins have the potential to cause these same side effects – which include anxiety, agitation, irritability, headache, nausea, neuropathy, insomnia, and pain.
Methyl multivitamins may also interact with some medications and can cause Negative health effects. Patients should check with their healthcare provider before starting methylated multivitamins if they are taking any of the following: diabetes medications, anti-seizure medications, certain antibiotics, and medications that reduce stomach acid.
People with a history of seizure disorders, liver problems, bipolar disorder, or pernicious anemia should consult a doctor before taking methylated multivitamins.
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, historical, and medical/health writing has appeared on a variety of platforms and in regional and national publications. These magazines include Charlotte, People, Our Country, Philanthropy, and others. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and a master’s degree in criminal justice.