METHYL B12/FOLATE combines the most active, stable, and highly bioavailable forms of folate and vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin).

METHYL B12/FOLATE is:

• The most stable, bioavailable and active form of folate and vitamin B12
• Recommended for methylation, cellular health, and child-bearing years/pregnancy*
• A preferred form of folate for the support of homocysteine management, heart health and nerve function*
• Vegetarian
• Gluten and soy free

Methylcobalamin is the active form of B12. It does not have to be converted so it starts working right away. It’s also the form used to make methionine synthase, an enzyme that converts homocysteine into methionine. In fact, 80% of B12 in the plasma is in the methylcobalamin form.

Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 and Pregnancy

Taking folate before and during pregnancy supports the development of a healthy brain and spinal cord.* It is recommended that folate consumption begin within the first 3-4 weeks of pregnancy so it is important to have it in your system during those early stages when the baby’s brain and spinal cord are developing.* Folate bypasses the need for enzymatic activation making it readily available to be used by the body. The active form of Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) has been included because the recommended dietary allowance of vitamin B12 is higher for preg- nant women. Vitamin B12 is essential for the functioning of the nervous system and for the production of red blood cells.* Studies have shown that women with low levels of B12 put both themselves and baby at risk of health problems.*

Importance of Methylation

Methylation is the process of attaching methyl groups to a compound in order to produce other compounds or to protect an existing compound from damage. This process is important to good health and well-being as it contributes to a wide variety of bodily functions such as:

• Production of enzymes, hormones, neurotransmitters, antibodies, vitamins and cell membranes*
• Energy production, immune function, and detoxification*
• Repairing and building DNA, brain activity and mood balancing*
• Healthy inflammatory response, homocysteine management and neurological function*
• Folic acid and vitamin B12 are essential cofactors in the methylation process.*

About Folic Acid

The terms “folate” and “folic acid” are often used interchangeably. It is a member of the B vitamin family and is necessary for methylation reactions in that it is required for the donation or transfer of methyl groups and for dontating its own methyl group to homocycteine in order to produce methionine for the production of SAMe, the principle methylating agent in the body. Folate is also required for healthy development of cells, brain function and protection from cell damage.*

Folate Deficiency

Folates are normally found in a wide variety of foods. However, they are unstable and susceptible to oxidation and rapidly lose activity during food processing, manufacturing and storage. Common folic acid supplements must be converted to its active form by an enzyme called methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase in order for it to be absorbed and utilized by the body. Several conditions such as an enzyme defect, malabsorption, digestive system challenges and poor liver function can lead to a folate deficiency. Lifestyle choices such as smoking, alcohol excess, eating disorders, low vegetable intake and chronic dieting put people at risk of low folate levels. As a result, much of society is deficient due to poor metabolism of folic acid from either food or supplements.

METHYL B12/FOLATE uses folate because it bypasses the need for enzymatic activation making it readily available to be used by the body.