Methylated vitamins are vitamins that have undergone a specific biochemical process that involves adding or taking away a methyl group (CH3) . This process changes how the specific molecules work in the body. Methylation is a biochemical process that provides methyl groups (CH3) for the methylation of DNA, RNA, and proteins, thereby regulating several aspects of cell physiology, like gene expression and protein function. Methylated vitamins are important because they are already in their active state, so the rate at which they can be absorbed by the body is much greater than unmethylated vitamins, which means the body can utilize those nutrients faster.

Methylated vitamins are particularly important for those with methylation deficiencies, which can be caused by genetic defects or aging. Common methylated nutrients include S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (L-5-MTHF), methylcobalamin, trimethylglycine (TMG or Betaine), inositol, choline, and phosphatidylcholine.

Its important to note that some B vitamins are essential for the methylation pathway but aren’t methylated. For example, vitamin B2 and B6 are involved in the methylation cycle but are not methylated. Both methylated and non-methylated forms of B vitamins are effective, but the methylated form of certain B-vitamins is referred to as the biologically “active form” as it can be directly and immediately utilized by the body.

In summary, methylated vitamins are vitamins that have undergone a specific biochemical process that changes how the specific molecules work in the body. They are important for methylation, a biochemical process that provides methyl groups for the methylation of DNA, RNA, and proteins, thereby regulating several aspects of cell physiology. Methylated vitamins are particularly important for those with methylation deficiencies, which can be caused by genetic defects or aging.