Folate
Folate is a water soluble member of the B complex vitamins that is critical for maintaining optimal methylation. Folate is abundantly found in foods such as fruits and dark leafy vegetables but, can be easily destroyed by cooking or processing. The bioactive form of folate is 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF). 5-MTHF is required as a methyl group donor for several processes, including the production of mood regulating neurotransmitters, the synthesis of melatonin, and DNA production and repair.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12ย works with folate in many body processes, including the synthesis of DNA, red blood cells and supporting health of the myelin sheath, the insulating exterior that surrounds nerve cells. B12ย is found primarily in animal foods. Vegetarians and the elderly run the highest risk of B12ย deficiency. Methylcobalamin is the preferred form of B12ย as it is the biologically active form of B12ย and supports the up-regulation of methylation pathways.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6ย is a crucial B vitamin that is involved in the production of proteins in the body, neurotransmitters that help regulate mood, red blood cell formation and the proper functioning of the immune system. B6ย is required for more than 60 different enzymatic reactions that occur in the body. Vitamin B6ย works along with 5-MTHF and B12ย in the recycling of homocysteine. B6ย also supports a healthy cardiovascular system by promoting healthy platelet aggregation and aids in maintaining normal blood pressure.
Vitamin B2
Optimizing B2ย (riboflavin) status helps support healthy blood pressure. Supporting riboflavin status also appears to stabilize MTHFR, the enzyme required for 5-MTHF which converts homocysteine to methionine.
Trimethylglycine (Betaine)
As a methyl donor, trimethylglycine supports liver function, including detoxification pathways. Trimethylglycine has been shown to protect against chemical damage to the liver. It has also been shown to be beneficial in protecting against fat accumulation in the liver, due to its lipotropic properties. Trimethylglycine also works alongside B2, B6, B12ย and folate in maintaining normal homocysteine levels.