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What Are Methylated Supplements and Why Do You Need Them?

Writer's picture: TurasonaTurasona

Updated: Dec 19, 2024


Liquid Nutrients

Let’s be honest—walking down the supplement aisle can feel like you’re taking a crash course in chemistry. You’ve probably heard about vitamins like B12, folate, and multivitamins, but suddenly you see the word “methylated” on a label and think, Wait, what does that even mean?


Don’t worry—you’re not alone! Methylated supplements might sound fancy and scientific, but they’re actually a game-changer for your health, especially if your body has trouble absorbing or activating nutrients.


Alrighty, so let's break down what methylated supplements are, why they’re so important, and why you should consider adding them to your routine. Plus, I’ll highlight some top-rated methylated supplements you can grab on Amazon (hello, easy shopping with affiliate links!).


What Are Methylated Supplements?

To understand methylated supplements, we need to talk about methylation—a process that happens inside your body millions of times per second.


So, What’s Methylation?

In simple terms, methylation is like a switch that turns on and off certain functions in your body. It’s a chemical process where your body adds a “methyl group” (a small molecule) to vitamins, amino acids, and other compounds. This process is crucial for:

  • Producing energy

  • Supporting brain function and mood

  • Detoxifying harmful substances

  • Regulating your DNA and overall cell health


But here’s the catch: your body needs to activate certain vitamins (like B12 and folate) for methylation to work effectively. This is where methylated supplements come in.


What Makes a Supplement “Methylated”?

When a supplement is methylated, it means the nutrient is already in its most bioavailable form—aka pre-activated. This makes it much easier for your body to absorb and use.

For example:

  • Standard folic acid needs to be converted into methylfolate before your body can use it. If you take a methylated version (methylfolate), your body gets to skip the conversion step!


Quick Analogy: Think of methylated supplements as pre-cooked meals. A non-methylated vitamin is like raw food—you need to prepare it before you can enjoy it. But methylated supplements? They’re ready to go, saving your body time and energy!



Nutrient Rich Food

Why Is Methylation Important?

Methylation is a silent hero—working behind the scenes to keep your body functioning like a well-oiled machine.


1. Energy Production

Feeling drained all the time? Methylation is directly involved in creating ATP (adenosine triphosphate)—the molecule your cells use for energy. Without proper methylation, your body might struggle to turn nutrients into fuel.


Interesting Fact: Did you know that over 90% of the energy your body uses comes from ATP production? Methylation helps “activate” the nutrients that fuel this process.


2. Brain Health and Mood

Your brain relies on methylation to produce key neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine—chemicals that regulate mood, focus, and overall mental health. If your methylation cycle isn’t working properly, you might experience:

  • Brain fog

  • Low mood

  • Trouble concentrating

Cool Science: Studies show that people with methylation issues are more prone to experiencing low serotonin levels. This is why methylated B vitamins, particularly methylfolate, are sometimes recommended for mood support.


3. Detoxification

Your body is constantly working to remove toxins—from environmental pollutants to metabolic waste. Methylation supports this process by helping your liver produce glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes toxins.


Fun Fact: Glutathione is often called the “master antioxidant” because it recycles other antioxidants like vitamins C and E, keeping your cells healthy and protected.


4. Methylation and the MTHFR Gene

Around 40% of the population has a genetic mutation in the MTHFR gene, which can make it harder for their bodies to convert certain nutrients (like folic acid) into their active, usable forms.


If you have an MTHFR mutation, non-methylated vitamins like folic acid and standard B12 might not do much for you. Instead, you need the methylated versions:

  • Methylfolate instead of folic acid

  • Methylcobalamin instead of cyanocobalamin (a standard form of B12)


Did You Know? Women trying to conceive are often advised to take methylfolate instead of folic acid because it’s better absorbed and can reduce the risk of birth defects related to folate deficiencies.


Methylated Supplements

Why Don’t All Supplements Use Methylation?

If methylated supplements are so great, why don’t all supplements use this form?

  1. Cost of Production: Methylated nutrients are more expensive to produce, which raises the price of the supplement. Some manufacturers cut costs by sticking to cheaper, non-methylated forms.

  2. Consumer Awareness: Not everyone knows about methylation or the benefits of methylated nutrients. Manufacturers often focus on what’s cheapest, assuming most consumers won’t notice.

  3. Genetic Variability: While methylation is essential for everyone, not everyone has trouble converting nutrients. For some people, standard supplements work just fine.


Top Methylated Supplements to Try

If you’re ready to give methylated supplements a try, here are a few highly-rated, trendy options you can find on Amazon:

  1. Thorne Research - Basic B Complex

    • Contains methylated B12 (methylcobalamin) and methylfolate.

    • Great for energy production and overall wellness.

    • [Affiliate link here]

  2. Pure Encapsulations - B-Complex Plus

    • Features bioavailable methylfolate and methylcobalamin.

    • Ideal for those with MTHFR mutations.

    • [Affiliate link here]

  3. Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw B Complex

    • A trendy, clean, whole-food supplement with methylated B12 and folate.

    • Certified organic, non-GMO, and vegan-friendly.

    • Perfect for health-conscious buyers looking for natural options.

    • [Affiliate link here]

  4. Seeking Health Optimal Multivitamin

    • A comprehensive multivitamin with methylated B vitamins.

    • Perfect for daily support and methylation balance.

    • [Affiliate link here]


Methylated supplements might seem like a small tweak to your routine, but they can have a huge impact on your energy, mood, and overall health—especially if you struggle with nutrient absorption or have an MTHFR mutation.


By choosing methylated versions of vitamins like B12 and folate, you’re giving your body exactly what it needs to function at its best.


Nutrient Rich Vegetable

Ready to take your health to the next level? Try one of the methylated supplements we’ve highlighted above and see how your body feels when it’s fully supported!

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