Methylated Multivitamins Explained

“Methylated” multivitamins are a growing part of the category and command higher prices. The term refers to the chemical form of two specific nutrients on the panel, not to the product as a whole.

What the word describes

It refers principally to two nutrients:

• Folate as L-methylfolate (also written 5-MTHF) rather than folic acid.
• Vitamin B12 as methylcobalamin rather than cyanocobalamin.

Both forms are named in brackets on the supplement facts panel. A product calling itself methylated should show these; if the panel still says folic acid and cyanocobalamin, the front of the bottle is ahead of the formulation.

Where the interest comes from

Folic acid is converted in the body to its active form, and common genetic variants affect the enzymes involved in that conversion. That is the basis of the interest in pre-converted forms. The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements fact sheet on folate discusses the forms and the conversion, and is the right place to read it in full.

Whether a methylated form is preferable for a given person is a clinical question rather than a labelling one. We can tell you which form is in the bottle; we are not in a position to tell you which you need.

Comparing the units

Folate is expressed in micrograms DFE — dietary folate equivalents — which accounts for differences in absorption between forms. Because of that, comparing raw microgram figures between a folic acid product and a methylfolate product without noting the unit will mislead you. Look for “mcg DFE” on the panel.

Is the rest of the formula better?

Not necessarily, and this is the practical point. A methylated product may still use inexpensive forms elsewhere — magnesium oxide, synthetic vitamin E. The premium buys the two named forms, not an upgrade across the panel. Read the whole thing — see how to read a multivitamin label.

If you are considering one for a specific reason

If your interest follows a genetic test result or a clinical conversation, take that to a doctor or dietitian rather than to a product page. Please read our medical disclaimer.

Our multivitamin comparison filters by brand, format and pack size; single B vitamins are under B vitamins.

References

• NIH Office of Dietary Supplements — Multivitamin/mineral Supplements
• NIH Office of Dietary Supplements — Iron
• NIH Office of Dietary Supplements — Folate