MTHFR: What is the Best Form of B12?

Sounds easy, right?

Unfortunately, we’ve found that doctors do not necessarily have all the information about what the different forms of B12 are, which genes and genetic mutations benefit most from which forms, and how B12 gets converted within the body.

As part of our commitment to bringing you up-to-date information regarding MTHFR, we’re here to help you understand which form of B12 you may tolerate best.

There are 3 types of B12 that are considered extremely beneficial to the body:

methylcobalamin, hydroxocobalamin, and adenosylcobalamin

Yet, the most common form of B12 is actually a form called cyanocobalamin, which it is not very active or beneficial to the body because of its cyanide content and low absorption rate. The reason it doesn’t absorb well is that the body first has to convert it into hydroxocobalamin, which itself has to then be converted into both adenosylcobalamin and methylcobalamin. Especially if the body has genetic mutations, these conversions don’t happen well. As a result, the body cannot absorb or use the nutrient as effectively.

Because of their difficulty converting cyanocobalamin all the way through this process, it is often assumed that people with an MTHFR deficiency require supplementation of the methylcobalamin type of B12. But it’s actually a bit more complicated.

Your MTHFR status does not determine the type of B12 that’s best for you.

Here’s a well-known fact: methylfolate and methylcobalamin work together synergistically along the methylation cycle pathway. So, most doctors and nutritionists are currently saying that a methylcobalamin supplement would be beneficial for individuals with MTHFR deficiency. However, it doesn’t necessarily follow that if you tolerate methylfolate well you’ll tolerate methylcobalamin well.

So, what does this mean for you?

If you have your 23andme genetic test results, you can use those to guide you as you try the different B12 forms and see how well they do for you. For example, since our founder, Jamie, has a number of mutations in all of the B12 absorption genes (COMT, MTR, MTRR, VDR Taq), she actually needs all 3 types of B12. 

The table below, developed by Dr. Amy Yasko (https://dramyyasko.com) helps folks determine their potential B12 needs based on their particular mutation status for COMT & VDR Taq:

Vitamin B12 deficiency is one of the most common ailments in adults today, affecting nearly 40 percent of people in the US.  

Why is this a problem?

Vitamin B12 is crucial for many of the body’s most important functions. It’s required for the synthesis of DNA and RNA, hemoglobin production, energy production, and the maintenance of the nervous system. It also works with L-methylfolate to lower homocysteine in the methylation cycle.

Folate (vitamin B9) is most useful to the body in its active form, L-methylfolate. L-methylfolate is essential for energy production and healthy red blood cell production. Folate enhances brain health, protects against birth defects, lowers homocysteine, and supports healthy pregnancy outcomes.