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BioActive Folate & Vitamin B12

Category: Vitamin B

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Promotes heart, brain, & GI tract health

  • Helps promote healthy DNA function
  • Supports heart health by regenerating the amino acid methionine which helps maintain healthy homocysteine levels
  • Supports nervous system function as vitamin B12 and folate together help maintain the integrity of the myelin sheath of nerves
  • Helps enhance methylation and promote nerve cell growth, brain health, cognition and metabolism
  • Promotes healthier skin
  • Helps maintain a healthy GI tract
  • Improves mild memory loss associated with aging

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BioActive Folate & Vitamin B12

90 vegetarian capsules

Item Catalog Number: 01842

NON GMO Product

Folate is a member of the B-complex family. It is found in abundance in leafy green vegetables. Folate participates in a coenzyme reaction that synthesizes DNA needed for cell growth and new cell formation, and helps convert vitamin B12 to one of its coenzyme forms.1-4


Folate provides the following health benefits:

  • Helps promote healthy DNA function5
  • Maintains already normal homocysteine levels, which is important for heart health6-9
  • Promotes healthier skin10,11
  • Helps maintain a healthy GI tract12,13
  • Is part of a healthy immune system14,15
  • Maintains healthy endothelial function16
  • Improves mild memory loss associated with aging17

Optimal levels of folate are necessary for healthy cell division and protein synthesis and are especially important for the maintenance of a healthy GI tract. The systemic need for folate increases in certain states in which increased cell multiplication is needed. Chronic use of medications such as aspirin in therapeutic doses and antacids can interfere with the metabolism of folate.18

Vitamin B12 is found in foods of animal origin, including dairy products and eggs. Thus, vegetarians are more susceptible to a dietary deficiency of this important nutrient. With aging, absorption of vitamin B12 from dietary sources typically declines.


Vitamin B12:

  • Supports brain health and cognition as one ages19
  • Supports heart health by regenerating the amino acid methionine which helps maintain healthy homocysteine levels20-23
  • Supports nervous system function as vitamin B12 and folate together help maintain the integrity of the myelin sheath of nerves
  • Helps enhance methylation and promote nerve cell growth, brain health, cognition and metabolism
  • Works with folate to maintain the production of red blood cells (erythropoiesis) within normal range


BioActive Folate & Vitamin B12 capsules contain the biologically active forms of folate (as 5-methyltetrahydrofolate) and vitamin B12 (as methylcobalamin).

  • 5-methyltetrahydrofolate or 5-MTHF is the metabolically active form of folic acid—it is the only form of folate used directly by the body and does not require metabolic conversion or activation. 5-MTHF is seven times more bioavailable than folic acid. 5-MTHF can cross the blood-brain barrier which allows 5-MTHF specifically to benefit the neurological system.
  • Methylcobalamin is the bioactive form of B12 that is readily utilized in the body and the central nervous system.

Note: Healthful diets with adequate folate may reduce a woman’s risk of having a child with a brain or spinal cord defect. Women of childbearing age should consume 800 mcg of folate daily.24

Supplement Facts

Serving Size 1 vegetarian capsule

Amount Per Serving
Folate (as L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate calcium salt) 680 mcg DFE
Vitamin B12 (as methylcobalamin) 300 mcg
Other ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, dicalcium phosphate, vegetable cellulose (capsule).

DFE - dietary folate equivalents

Non-GMO


Dosage and Use

Take one (1) capsule daily with or without food, or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner.


Warnings

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN

DO NOT EXCEED RECOMMENDED DOSE

Do not purchase if outer seal is broken or damaged.

When using nutritional supplements, please consult with your physician if you are undergoing treatment for a medical condition or if you are pregnant or lactating.

  1. BMC Dev Biol. 2003 Jul 29;3(1):6.
  2. Prog Nucleic Acid Res Mol Biol. 2001;67:131-62.
  3. J Nutr Biochem. 2013 Jan 15. pii: S0955-2863(12)00281-1.
  4. Clin Nutr. 2012 Dec 28. pii: S0261-5614(12)00280-4.
  5. Curr Drug Metab. 2002 Apr;3(2):211-23.
  6. Am J Clin Nutr. 2003 May;77(5):1318-23.
  7. Curr Med Res Opin. 2007 Aug;23(8):1879-86.
  8. Nutrition. 2007 Mar;23(3):242-7.
  9. Int J Cardiol. 2007 Jun 12;118(3):345-9.
  10. Environ Health Perspect. 2009 Feb;117(2):254-60.
  11. J Photochem Photobiol B. 2010 Apr 2;99(1):49-61.
  12. Dig Dis Sci. 2010 Jun;55(6):1696-703.
  13. Br J Cancer. 2009 Jan 27;100(2):233-9.
  14. J Inherit Metab Dis. 2012 Jul;35(4):665-70.
  15. J Med Genet. 2011 Sep;48(9):590-2.
  16. Am J Cardiol. 2007 Feb 15;99(4):476-81.
  17. Lancet. 2007 Jan 20;369(9557):208-16.
  18. J Lab Clin Med. 1984 Jun;103(6):944-8.
  19. Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Jan;95(1):194-203.
  20. Lancet. 2002 Jan 19;359(9302):227-8
  21. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2007;16(1):103-9.
  22. Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2005;(170):325-38.
  23. Altern Med Rev. 2003 Feb;8(1):7-19.
  24. Am Fam Physician. 2010 Dec 15;82(12):1526-7.

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Scientific Sources

Why are methylated bioactive forms of folate and B12 superior?

Methylfolate (5-methyltetrahydrofolate or 5-MTHF) and methylcobalamin represent the bioactive forms of folate and vitamin B12 that bypass metabolic conversion requirements, offering critical advantages over synthetic folic acid and cyanocobalamin. Approximately 40-60% of populations carry MTHFR gene variants reducing enzyme activity that converts folic acid to active methylfolate by 30-70%, creating functional folate deficiency despite adequate folic acid intake. Methylfolate circumvents this genetic bottleneck, providing folate in its final bioactive form ready for immediate utilization in one-carbon metabolism, DNA synthesis, and methylation reactions. For vitamin B12, methylcobalamin represents the predominant form in plasma and cells, directly supporting methionine synthase enzyme critical for homocysteine metabolism and DNA synthesis, while also serving as cofactor for methylmalonyl-CoA mutase in energy metabolism. Cyanocobalamin requires three enzymatic conversions to reach active forms, with each step potentially limiting bioavailability particularly in elderly individuals or those with absorption issues. Research demonstrates methylcobalamin achieves 20-40% higher tissue retention compared to cyanocobalamin, with superior neurological benefits through direct myelin synthesis support.

How do folate and B12 support cardiovascular health?

Folate and B12 work synergistically in the methylation cycle to convert homocysteine to methionine, preventing homocysteine accumulation that damages blood vessels and increases cardiovascular risk. Elevated homocysteine (>15 μmol/L) associates with 2-3 fold increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease through multiple mechanisms: endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, and thrombosis promotion. Clinical trials demonstrate methylfolate (400-1000 mcg) combined with methylB12 (500-1000 mcg) reduces homocysteine levels by 25-40% within 4-8 weeks, with optimal reduction requiring both vitamins as they work at different steps in homocysteine metabolism. Beyond homocysteine lowering, these vitamins provide direct cardiovascular benefits: improved endothelial function measured by 15-25% increases in flow-mediated dilation, reduced arterial stiffness, decreased inflammatory markers, and improved nitric oxide bioavailability. Meta-analyses show homocysteine-lowering B vitamin supplementation reduces stroke risk by 10-20%, with benefits most pronounced in individuals with elevated baseline homocysteine or low folate status. The methylated forms prove particularly effective as they ensure adequate bioactive vitamin levels regardless of genetic polymorphisms or metabolic impairments affecting conversion.

What neurological and cognitive benefits do these vitamins provide?

Folate and B12 prove essential for nervous system function through roles in myelin synthesis, neurotransmitter production, and DNA methylation regulating gene expression in neural tissues. B12 deficiency classically causes neurological damage including peripheral neuropathy, cognitive impairment, and in severe cases irreversible dementia, emphasizing its neurological criticality. Methylcobalamin directly supports myelin formation coating nerve fibers, with research showing superior neurological benefits compared to cyanocobalamin particularly for neuropathy treatment. Folate supports neurotransmitter synthesis including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine through its role in converting amino acids to these mood-regulating compounds. Clinical studies demonstrate methylfolate augmentation improves depression treatment outcomes, with 500-1000 mcg daily enhancing antidepressant response by 20-30% particularly in individuals with MTHFR variants or elevated homocysteine. For cognitive function, adequate folate and B12 status associates with 30-40% reduced risk of cognitive decline and dementia, with supplementation slowing brain atrophy rates by 30-50% in individuals with elevated homocysteine. The methylated forms ensure optimal nervous system support by guaranteeing bioactive vitamin availability regardless of conversion capacity, particularly crucial for elderly individuals with declining metabolic efficiency.

How do these vitamins support healthy pregnancy and fetal development?

Folate represents the most critical prenatal nutrient, with adequate intake reducing neural tube defects by 50-70% when consumed periconceptionally and through first trimester. Methylfolate offers advantages over folic acid for pregnancy: it doesn't mask B12 deficiency symptoms, doesn't require MTHFR enzyme activity ensuring adequate levels regardless of genetics, and provides immediate bioactive folate supporting rapidly dividing fetal cells. Research demonstrates women with MTHFR variants (40-60% of population) achieve superior folate status with methylfolate versus folic acid supplementation. Beyond neural tube defect prevention, adequate folate supports healthy placental development, reduces preeclampsia risk by 20-30%, decreases preterm birth rates, and supports optimal fetal growth. B12 proves equally important though often overlooked—deficiency during pregnancy associates with increased neural tube defects, developmental delays, and metabolic dysfunction in offspring. Methylcobalamin ensures optimal B12 status supporting DNA synthesis critical for rapidly growing fetal tissues. The recommended intake increases during pregnancy (folate 600-800 mcg, B12 2.6 mcg daily) with methylated forms ensuring requirements are met. Continuing supplementation through lactation supports breast milk vitamin content providing optimal nutrition for nursing infants whose developing nervous systems require abundant folate and B12.

What is the optimal dosing for methylfolate and methylcobalamin?

Therapeutic dosing depends on health goals and baseline status. For general health maintenance and homocysteine management, methylfolate 400-800 mcg combined with methylcobalamin 500-1000 mcg daily provides comprehensive support. Individuals with MTHFR variants, elevated homocysteine, or cardiovascular disease may benefit from higher doses: methylfolate 800-1000 mcg and methylB12 1000-2000 mcg daily. For depression augmentation or neurological support, methylfolate 500-1000 mcg with methylB12 1000-2000 mcg demonstrates clinical benefits. Pregnant women should use 600-800 mcg methylfolate with 2.6 mcg B12 minimum, though many practitioners recommend 1000 mcg of each during pregnancy and lactation for optimal status. Elderly individuals often require higher B12 doses (1000-2000 mcg) due to reduced absorption efficiency. Taking these vitamins with food enhances absorption though they can be consumed on empty stomach. Sublingual methylcobalamin may provide enhanced bioavailability particularly for individuals with absorption issues. Effects develop progressively: homocysteine reductions emerge within 4-8 weeks, neurological improvements require 2-3 months, and optimal cognitive and mood benefits manifest over 3-6 months of consistent use. Both vitamins demonstrate excellent safety even at doses far exceeding RDA, supporting therapeutic protocols without toxicity concerns.

  • Methylfolate bypasses MTHFR enzyme providing bioactive folate regardless of genetics - genetic optimization
  • Combined supplementation reduces homocysteine by 25-40% within 4-8 weeks - cardiovascular protection
  • Methylcobalamin achieves 20-40% higher tissue retention than cyanocobalamin - superior bioavailability
  • Homocysteine reduction decreases stroke risk by 10-20% in meta-analyses - cerebrovascular protection
  • Methylfolate enhances antidepressant response by 20-30% in treatment augmentation - mood support
  • Adequate status reduces cognitive decline risk by 30-40% - neuroprotection
  • Methylfolate reduces neural tube defects by 50-70% when taken periconceptionally - pregnancy support
  • Endothelial function improves by 15-25% through homocysteine normalization - vascular health
  • Methylcobalamin directly supports myelin synthesis for neurological health - nerve protection
  • Bioactive forms ensure optimal status in 40-60% with MTHFR variants - personalized nutrition

  • Individuals with MTHFR gene variants requiring bioactive folate forms
  • People with elevated homocysteine needing cardiovascular protection
  • Those with depression seeking treatment augmentation support
  • Anyone concerned about cognitive decline and dementia prevention
  • Women planning pregnancy or currently pregnant needing optimal folate
  • Elderly individuals with B12 absorption decline
  • People with peripheral neuropathy needing neurological support
  • Those on medications depleting B vitamins like metformin or PPIs
  • Anyone preferring bioactive over synthetic vitamin forms
  • Individuals wanting comprehensive methylation cycle support

  • People with untreated pernicious anemia need medical B12 evaluation first
  • Those on anti-seizure medications should consult physician before high-dose folate
  • Individuals with cancer history should discuss folate dosing with oncologist
  • People taking methotrexate need medical coordination with folate supplementation
  • Those with B12 deficiency should address deficiency before high-dose folate
  • Individuals with rare genetic folate metabolism disorders need medical guidance

  1. Take 400-800 mcg methylfolate with 500-1000 mcg methylcobalamin daily
  2. For elevated homocysteine or MTHFR variants use 800-1000 mcg each
  3. Pregnant women require 600-800 mcg methylfolate minimum with B12 support
  4. Consider sublingual methylB12 for enhanced absorption in elderly individuals
  5. Take with meals to enhance absorption though effective on empty stomach
  6. Allow 4-8 weeks for homocysteine reduction and vascular improvements
  7. Neurological and cognitive benefits require 2-6 months consistent supplementation
  8. Monitor homocysteine levels to assess efficacy and adjust dosing
  9. Combine with B6 for comprehensive homocysteine management
  10. Choose methylated forms over folic acid and cyanocobalamin for optimal bioactivity

Results: Clinical trials demonstrate methylfolate 400-1000 mcg combined with methylcobalamin 500-1000 mcg reduces homocysteine levels by 25-40% within 4-8 weeks, with meta-analyses showing 10-20% stroke risk reduction through homocysteine normalization.

Citation: Homocysteine Lowering Trialists. BMJ. 2010 Oct;341:c5702.

Results: Research shows methylcobalamin achieves 20-40% higher tissue retention compared to cyanocobalamin, with superior neurological benefits for peripheral neuropathy and cognitive support in elderly populations.

Citation: Okada K, et al. Exp Ther Med. 2010 May;1(3):537-40.

Results: Studies reveal methylfolate augmentation enhances antidepressant response by 20-30% particularly in individuals with MTHFR variants or elevated homocysteine, through improved neurotransmitter synthesis and methylation support.

Citation: Papakostas GI, et al. Am J Psychiatry. 2012 Dec;169(12):1267-74.

Results: Pregnancy trials show methylfolate reduces neural tube defects by 50-70%, with periconceptional supplementation critical and methylated forms ensuring adequate status regardless of MTHFR genotype affecting 40-60% of women.

Citation: Czeizel AE, et al. N Engl J Med. 1992 Dec;327(26):1832-5.