B vitamins are important for hundreds of processes in your body and many people take B vitamin supplements to feel healthy. Yet some sensitive individuals who take B vitamins experience nervousness and rapid heartbeat for minutes or days afterward. In certain people, these reactions have been attributed to a specific class of B vitamins called methylated B vitamins. ElGendy K, et al. (2018). Effects of dietary interventions on DNA methylation in adult humans: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Changes in DNA methylation have also been associated with negative health outcomes such as heart disease and reduced immune function. Symptoms of over methylation can include anxiety and panic, depression, hyperactivity and behavioral issues, allergies and sensitivities, and histamine imbalance. Al Mansoori A, Shakoor H, Ali HI, et al. The effects of bariatric surgery on vitamin B status and mental health. Nutrients. 2021;13(4):1383. doi:10.3390/nu13041383 Methylation is an essential process to help us function mentally and physically. It involves a methyl group molecule added to another substance, such as DNA or protein. In effect, the receiving component will work. The answer is yes! In fact, methyl-free versions are great bioactive alternatives to methylated nutrients. This is because they rely on your body to turn them into the “active” forms, which is thought to be self-regulating.The patterns of DNA methylation change throughout your life. The process occurs the most during the stages of early development and later life. Mehmel M, Jovanović N, Spitz U. Nicotinamide riboside—the current state of research and therapeutic uses. Nutrients. 2020;12(6):1616. In contrast, those who consumed a lot of folate were more likely to have increased methylation. These results support the idea that consuming certain nutrients affects DNA methylation.

The UL for folate/folic acid is 1000 mcg/day. Folate toxicity can cause kidney damage or mask a vitamin B12 deficiency.

However, a recent study showed a correlation between nicotinamide riboside supplementation and increased risk for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) and metastases to the brain. It is important to note that this was a small, animal-based study, and more research is needed to confirm any association between nicotinamide riboside supplements and cancer risk. Optimum support - Methylated forms of B vitamins have been shown to be better absorbed and used by the body Optimal Multivitamin Minus One : This single-capsule serving multivitamin features methyl-free B12 and folate. Additionally, several animal studies have found that each form could have neuroprotective effects and may be beneficial in treating conditions that affect your nervous system ( 16, 17). SUMMARY In fact, our bodies use methyl groups to turn genes ‘on’ and ‘off’ in the various types of body tissues. Have you ever wondered how DNA is the same in every cell, yet we do not have eyeball cells in our belly button or ear cells on our lips? That’s because methyl groups sit on portions of our genes and tell them when to be read and when not to be read. This process of changing gene function without actually changing the genes is called epigenetics, and methylation plays a significant role in it. (1, 2, 3)