Methylated B-Complex: Quatrefolic® Folate and Methylcobalamin Explained

"Methylated" is one of the most common words on B-vitamin labels now. What does it actually mean?

Mostly, it's about which form of folate and B12 is in the capsule. Here's the plain version.

The quick answer

• Methylfolate (5-MTHF) is a form of folate used in some supplements instead of folic acid [1].
• Methylcobalamin is one of the two active forms of vitamin B12 in the body [2].
• Ours uses Quatrefolic® folate (340 mcg DFE) and methylcobalamin B12 (250 mcg) in 1 capsule.

See B-Complex High Potency with Quatrefolic →

Folate vs. folic acid vs. methylfolate

Folate is the general term. Folic acid is the synthetic form used in fortified foods and most supplements. Some supplements use 5-MTHF instead, also called L-methylfolate or methylfolate [1]. Quatrefolic® is a branded methylfolate ingredient.

Why labels say "mcg DFE"

DFE stands for dietary folate equivalents. It accounts for the fact that folic acid is absorbed better than food folate [1]. The adult RDA for folate is 400 mcg DFE [1].

B12: methylcobalamin vs. cyanocobalamin

Methylcobalamin and 5-deoxyadenosylcobalamin are the metabolically active forms of B12. Cyanocobalamin and hydroxycobalamin become active after the body converts them [2]. All are used in supplements.

The rest of the B team

A B-complex also covers thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), B6 and biotin [3][4][5][6][7][8]. Ours adds choline and TMG.

B-complex label checklist

• Folate form and amount in mcg DFE [1].
• B12 form (methylcobalamin, cyanocobalamin and so on) and amount.
• Every B vitamin listed with its amount and %DV.
• Extras like choline or TMG.
• Capsules per serving and allergen statements.

Why we chose methylated forms

Our B-Complex against that checklist: - Folate: 340 mcg DFE as Quatrefolic®. - B12: 250 mcg as methylcobalamin. - Also: thiamin 100 mg, riboflavin 50 mg, niacin 50 mg NE, B6 50 mg, biotin 2,000 mcg, pantothenic acid 100 mg, choline 30 mg, TMG 200 mg. - 1 capsule a day, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, non-GMO.

Shop the products mentioned:

• B-Complex High Potency with Quatrefolic: methylated B vitamins in 1 capsule.
• Zinc Complex Capsules: zinc bisglycinate with B2 and B6.
• Ultimate Essentials Pack: B-complex with NAC, fish oil, zinc and ADK.

Pregnant, planning a pregnancy or taking medication? Ask your practitioner which folate form and amount suit you.

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

FAQ

What does methylated B-complex mean? It usually means the folate is methylfolate (5-MTHF) and the B12 is methylcobalamin rather than folic acid and cyanocobalamin [1][2].

Is methylfolate the same as folic acid? No. Folic acid is the synthetic form in most supplements; methylfolate (5-MTHF) is another form some supplements use [1].

What is Quatrefolic®? A branded methylfolate ingredient. Ours provides 340 mcg DFE of folate as Quatrefolic®.

What does DFE mean on a label? Dietary folate equivalents, a unit that adjusts for differences in absorption between folic acid and food folate [1].

References

1. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Folate – Health Professional Fact Sheet. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Folate-HealthProfessional/
2. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin B12 – Health Professional Fact Sheet. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/
3. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Thiamin – Health Professional Fact Sheet. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Thiamin-HealthProfessional/
4. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Riboflavin – Health Professional Fact Sheet. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Riboflavin-HealthProfessional/
5. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Niacin – Health Professional Fact Sheet. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Niacin-HealthProfessional/
6. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Pantothenic Acid – Health Professional Fact Sheet. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/PantothenicAcid-HealthProfessional/
7. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin B6 – Health Professional Fact Sheet. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB6-HealthProfessional/
8. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Biotin – Health Professional Fact Sheet. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Biotin-HealthProfessional/