Which brands of vitamins are methylated?

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research, a significant portion of the population carries a common genetic variation, known as MTHFR, which affects their ability to convert and use standard B vitamins effectively. For these individuals, the question, 'Which brands of vitamins are methylated?', is crucial for selecting supplements with the most bioavailable forms.

Quick Summary

Methylated vitamins contain bioavailable, pre-activated nutrients that the body can use immediately without conversion, offering enhanced absorption, particularly for those with genetic mutations. Several brands specialize in or offer methylated formulas, including Thorne, Pure Encapsulations, Seeking Health, and Methyl-Life. Selecting a high-quality brand ensures purity and optimal utilization of key nutrients like folate and vitamin B12.

Key Points

What are they?: Methylated vitamins are pre-activated nutrients, especially B9 (methylfolate) and B12 (methylcobalamin), that the body can use immediately.
Top Brands: Leading brands offering methylated vitamins include Thorne Research, Pure Encapsulations, Seeking Health, and Methyl-Life®.
MTHFR Connection: Individuals with an MTHFR gene mutation benefit from methylated vitamins because they bypass a conversion process that may be impaired.
What to Look For: Look for specific active ingredient names like '5-MTHF' and 'methylcobalamin' on supplement labels.
Quality Assurance: Reputable brands often provide third-party testing and certifications (e.g., NSF, cGMP), ensuring product purity and potency.
Personalized Approach: A healthcare provider can help you determine if methylated vitamins are right for your needs, considering your health history and any genetic factors.

What are Methylated Vitamins and Why Do They Matter?

Methylated vitamins are versions of nutrients that are already in their active, or coenzyme, form. The process of methylation is a fundamental biochemical reaction in the body that helps regulate various functions, including detoxification, neurotransmitter synthesis, and DNA expression. This process relies on key B vitamins, particularly folate (B9) and cobalamin (B12), being in their methylated form.

Unlike standard, inactive vitamins (e.g., synthetic folic acid and cyanocobalamin) that require the body to convert them before use, methylated vitamins are ready for immediate absorption and utilization. This is especially important for individuals with genetic mutations, such as MTHFR, which can impair the body's ability to perform this conversion efficiently. By taking pre-activated forms, you bypass this potential roadblock, ensuring your body receives the full nutritional benefit.

Benefits of Choosing Methylated Vitamins

Enhanced Absorption: Ready-to-use forms mean the body can absorb and utilize the nutrients more effectively.
Supports Methylation: Provides direct support for the methylation cycle, which is involved in countless bodily functions.
Circumvents MTHFR Mutations: Critical for the significant portion of the population with MTHFR gene variations who struggle to process standard folate and B12.
Improved Cellular Energy: Active B vitamins support energy production and can help combat fatigue.
Supports Mood and Cognitive Function: Important for the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.

Leading Brands Offering Methylated Vitamins

When seeking out methylated supplements, several brands have established a reputation for quality and efficacy. These companies often use the active, bioavailable forms of key nutrients and conduct third-party testing to ensure purity and potency.

Thorne Research: A highly respected brand in the clinical supplement space, offering several methylation-focused products. Their Methyl-Guard and Methyl-Guard Plus formulas contain active folate (5-MTHF) and methylcobalamin.
Pure Encapsulations: This brand focuses on hypoallergenic, pure formulas free from unnecessary additives. Their MethylAssist and B-Complex Plus products use Metafolin L-5-MTHF and methylcobalamin to support methylation.
Seeking Health: Founded by a leading expert on methylation and MTHFR, this company is a go-to source for targeted nutritional support. Products like Methyl B12 with L-Methylfolate and L-Methylfolate are specifically formulated for those with methylation concerns.
Methyl-Life®: As the name suggests, this brand specializes in high-quality methylated vitamins, notably using the patented Magnafolate® PRO for its chewable multivitamin.
Codeage: Offers a variety of methylated B-complex and multivitamin formulas.
Ritual: Features methylated folate in some of its targeted multivitamins, such as the Women's 18+ and Prenatal formulas.
NATURELO: A whole-food supplement brand that includes methylated forms of B12 and folate in its multivitamins.
Solaray: Provides a Methyl B-Complex formula featuring methylated folate and B12.

Comparison of Popular Methylated Vitamin Brands


Feature	Thorne Research (Methyl-Guard Plus)	Pure Encapsulations (MethylAssist)	Seeking Health (Methyl B12 with L-Methylfolate)	Methyl-Life® (Chewable Multivitamin)
Key Ingredients	Active folate (5-MTHF), methylcobalamin, B2, B6, trimethylglycine (TMG)	Active folate (L-5-MTHF), methylcobalamin, B6, benfotiamine	Active folate (L-5-MTHF), methylcobalamin, adenosylcobalamin	Active folate (Magnafolate® PRO), methylcobalamin, B6, hydroxocobalamin
Active B12 Form	Methylcobalamin	Methylcobalamin	Methylcobalamin, adenosylcobalamin	Hydroxocobalamin
Active Folate Form	5-MTHF	Metafolin L-5-MTHF	L-5-MTHF	Magnafolate® PRO
Third-Party Testing	Yes, NSF Certified	Yes, accredited and cGMP-certified labs	Yes, GMP, Third-Party Tested	Yes, clinically tested Magnafolate® PRO
Suitable for MTHFR	Specifically formulated to support MTHFR mutations	Yes, provides universally metabolized folate	Yes, directly supports methylation pathways	Yes, designed for proper methylation

How to Choose the Right Methylated Supplement for You

Choosing the right supplement goes beyond just picking a well-known brand. Here's what to look for:

Check for Active Ingredients: Look for specific terms on the label such as 5-MTHF or L-Methylfolate for folate (B9) and Methylcobalamin for vitamin B12. Other active B vitamins include Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate (P5P) for B6 and Riboflavin-5'-Phosphate for B2.
Verify Third-Party Certifications: Look for quality certifications from organizations like NSF or ConsumerLab.com. This testing ensures the product contains what the label claims and is free from contaminants.
Consider Your Specific Needs: Some individuals may do best with a simple methylated B-complex, while others with more sensitive systems or specific genetic mutations might need a targeted product containing specific forms or dosages, as suggested by a healthcare provider.
Evaluate Additional Ingredients: Check for other beneficial ingredients like trimethylglycine (TMG) or choline, which further support methylation, or ensure there are no unnecessary fillers or allergens.
Review the Form of the Supplement: Methylated vitamins come in various forms, including capsules, lozenges, and liquids, which can affect absorption and convenience. For example, lozenges like those from Seeking Health offer sublingual absorption.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

For those with genetic variations affecting methylation, like MTHFR, or anyone seeking more readily available nutrients, choosing the right methylated vitamin brand is essential. Leading brands such as Thorne Research, Pure Encapsulations, Seeking Health, and Methyl-Life® offer well-formulated products with bioavailable forms of key B vitamins like folate (as 5-MTHF) and B12 (as methylcobalamin). However, it is crucial to research specific ingredients, check for third-party testing, and consider your personal health needs, possibly with a healthcare provider, to ensure you select the best and most effective supplement. Investing in a high-quality, trusted brand is a wise step toward supporting your overall health and wellness.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Non-methylated vitamins, like synthetic folic acid, need to be converted by the body into an active form before they can be used. Methylated vitamins are already in their active form, bypassing this conversion step and ensuring faster, more efficient utilization.

While particularly beneficial for individuals with MTHFR mutations, anyone can potentially benefit from methylated vitamins due to their enhanced absorption and bioavailability, regardless of their genetic makeup.

For folate (B9), look for '5-MTHF' or 'L-Methylfolate'. For vitamin B12, look for 'methylcobalamin'. Other methylated forms include 'Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate' (P5P) for B6 and 'Riboflavin-5'-Phosphate' for B2.

Some individuals may experience side effects from excessive methylation, such as anxiety, irritability, or headaches. It is best to start with a low dose and consult a healthcare provider to find the right dosage for your needs.

Trusted brands include Thorne Research, Pure Encapsulations, Seeking Health, and Methyl-Life, which are known for their high-quality, bioavailable ingredients and rigorous testing standards.

Yes, third-party testing by organizations like NSF or ConsumerLab.com is crucial. It helps verify that the product contains the ingredients and dosages claimed on the label and is free from contaminants.

Yes, many healthcare providers recommend a prenatal with methylated folate (5-MTHF) instead of synthetic folic acid for pregnant individuals with MTHFR mutations to support healthy fetal development.

Methyl-Life® uses the patented Magnafolate® PRO form of methylfolate in its Chewable Methylated Multivitamin, citing its clinical testing for purity and stability.