METHYL B12 PLUS

by Douglas Laboratories

FUNCTIONS

As co-enzymes, the B vitamins are essential components in most major metabolic reactions. They play an important role in energy production, including the metabolism of lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins. B vitamins are also important for blood cell production, hormone production, nervous system function, normal homocysteine metabolism, and proper methylation. Methylcobalamin (vitamin B12) and folate are coenzymes in DNA and RNA metabolism. Both of these B vitamins assist in homocysteine metabolism. Folate serves as a methyl donor and methylcobalamin as a coenzyme in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine. Studies indicate that methylcobalamin, a coenzyme form of vitamin B12, may be better utilized and better retained in the body due to its methyl structure. Certain populations, including the elderly, immune-compromised, use of proton-pump inhibitors, and strict vegetarians are often at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency, either due to low dietary intake or impaired absorption. Intrinsic factor, a protein produced by cells in the stomach lining, is needed by the intestines to absorb vitamin B12 efficiently. Certain populations, including the elderly and those unable to effectively produce intrinsic factor due to certain medications, can be more susceptible to B12 deficiency. Methyl B12 Plus provides vitamin B12 in a sublingual form that bypasses the stomach and does not require intrinsic factor for adequate absorption. L-methylfolate (5-MTHF) is the naturally occurring, predominant form of folate commonly found in cells and is essential for overall health, as it participates as a cofactor in a reaction that involves the remethylation of homocysteine to methionine.

Metafolin® ® is a patented, natural form of (6S) 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF). Unlike synthetic folic acid, 5-MTHF can be used directly by the body, without the need for an additional conversion via the enzyme (5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase [MTHFR]). In certain populations, the body’s ability to convert folic acid to 5-MTHF by use of this enzyme may be compromised due to genetic differences. Metafolin® contains only the S isomer of 5-MTHF and has been shown to be the only form of folate to be able to cross the blood-brain barrier.

INDICATIONS

Methyl B12 Plus dissolvable tablets may be a useful dietary supplement for individuals who wish to increase their intake of vitamin B12 and folate.

SIDE EFFECTS

No adverse effects have been reported.

STORAGE

Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light. Keep out of reach of children.

REFERENCES

Quadros EV Br J Haematol. Advances in the understanding of cobalamin assimilation and metabolism. 2010 Jan;148(2):195-204. Epub 2009 Oct 12. Review. Saltzman JR, Kemp JA, Golner BB, Pedrosa MC, Dallal GE, Russell RM. Effect of hypochlorhydria due toomeprazole treatment or atrophic gastritis on protein-bound vitamin B12 absorption. J Am Coll Nutr 1994;13:584- Curtis D, Sparrow R, Brennan L, Van Der Weyden MB. Elevated serum homocysteine as a predictor for vitamin B12 or folate deficiency. Eur J Haematol 1994;52:227-232. Pietrzik K, Bailey L, Shane B. Folic acid and L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate: comparison of clinical pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Clin Pharmacokinet. 2010 Aug 1;49(8):535-48 Mahadeo KM, Min SH, Diop-Bove N, Kronn D, Goldman ID. Hereditary Folate Malabsorption. In: Pagon RA, Bird TC, Dolan CR, Stephens K, editors. GeneReviews [Internet]. Seattle (WA): University of Washington, Seattle; 1993-.2008 Jun 17 [updated 2010 May 06]. Helga Refsum and Keith M. Channon de Bono, et al. 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate Rapidly Improves Endothelial Function and Decreases Superoxide Production in Human Vessels: Effects on Vascular Coupling Tetrahydrobiopterin Availability and Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase. Circulation 2006;114;1193-1201; originally published online Aug 28, 2006 For more information on Methyl B12 Plus, visit douglaslabs.com