Methyl B-12 Reference Guide

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Methyl B-12 Reference Guide

What is Methyl B12?

Methyl B12 is a water soluble vitamin and is the metabolically active and bioavailable form of vitamin B12 that helps support brain and nerve health, cellular energy production, helps to support sleep and normal mood.* Together with folic acid, it also helps to reduce homocysteine levels to support good health.*

Why Methyl B12? Methyl B12 Benefits

Jarrow Formulas Methyl B12 is a vitamin supplement especially useful for vegetarians and people over 50 to help support adequate vitamin B12 levels.* However, adequate Methyl B12 status over the whole lifecycle is needed for optimal health.*

Product Highlights

Bioavailable and retained by the body*
Is the coenzyme form of B12 with functional benefits.*

How Do the Active Ingredients Function in This Product?

Methylcobalamin (Methyl B12) is the coenzyme, or active, form of vitamin B12 that functions as a methyl group carrier in biochemical reactions. It works hand-in-hand with folic acid coenzymes to transfer methyl groups, an essential biological process.*

Why B12 is Important

Methylcobalamin (methyl B12) is bioavailable and a utilized form of vitamin B12. Methyl B12 is well retained and is active without the need for conversion by the body unlike other forms.* Methyl B12 promotes neurotransmitter synthesis to support communication between nerve cells.* Studies also demonstrate B12’s ability to reduce high blood homocysteine levels, a pro-oxidant marker.*. Methyl B12 supports better sleep and immune function.* Finally, Methyl B12 plays a strategic role in the production of oxygen- carrying blood cells.*

Methyl B12 is the biologically active form of Vitamin B12

The health benefits of Methyl B12, as the active coenzyme form of the vitamin, possess distinct advantages over other forms of this nutrient.*

Enhanced Tissue Retention

Methyl B12 is excreted in urine at about one-third that of cyanocobalamin (the most common form in vitamin supplements), indicating substantial tissue retention.*

Neurological Activity Support

Methyl B12 initiates methylation, a process where methyl (CH3) groups are donated to the myelin sheath that insulates nerve fibers to support neurons.* Methyl B12 also helps in neurotransmitter (e.g., serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine) support.*

Reduced Homocysteine Levels

Methyl B12 is a catalyst for the conversion of homocysteine to methionine, an essential amino acid. It also helps remove other toxins (e.g., arsenic) from the body.*

Highlights of Current Research For What Methyl B12 is Used For

The following areas of research show the benefits of Methyl B12 and what it can do.

Protects Brain Cells and Nerve Tissue

An adequate supply of B12 is essential for normal blood formation and neurological function. Vitamin B12 is an essential cofactor for two enzyme systems in humans that are involved in the proper formation of the myelin sheath that surrounds neurons and allows them to conduct nerve signals.*

Nerve Function

Methyl B12 supports nerve function by contributing to nerve myelination.*

Normal Cell Growth

Administration of methyl B12 has been shown to facilitate normal cell division in mice.*

Immune Function

A clinical study showed that methyl B12 improved T-cell activity (i.e., cell-mediated immunity).*

Sleep Patterns

Methylated vitamin B12 supports better 24-hour sleep patterns by raising melatonin (the sleep hormone) earlier in the evening to induce sleep, and decreasing it earlier in the morning to make waking easier.*

Muscle Contraction

A double-blind controlled study showed that high doses of methyl B12 significantly increased muscle action potential.*

Risk Factors for Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Advancing age and diet are the primary risk factors for low vitamin B12 levels. It is recommended that people over fifty consider supplements and vitamin B12-fortified foods. Indeed, up to 40 percent of older individuals may have reduced stomach acid, which impairs absorption of vitamin B12.* Diet is a major risk factor for inadequate vitamin B12 levels. The best sources of vitamin B12 are animal products, such as meat, eggs, and fish. Therefore, strict vegetarians (those who eat no animal products) are at considerable risk.