Methyl B12 - Good or Bad?

It would be a good idea for you to get MTHFR testing for the two most common mutations: C677T and A1298C. LabCorp actually runs these tests and maybe other mainstream labs do as well.

Once you know where you stand with the mutations, you can check mthfr.net for guidance re B12 supplements.

I agree with cd about the MTHFR testing—although I would not do the blood tests—very expensive for minimal results.

It's far more economical to do the $99 23andme testing for DNA mutations and to have the data interpreted. Several services do this for free and there are other more comprehensive services that cost. NutraHacker provides a great $50 report that includes methylation/detoxing mutations, and other conditions that affect cardio, digestion, HPA/Edocrine, neurotransmitter functions as well. AND it gives you recommendations for what to take/avoid.

I originally had the MTHFR bloodwork done and found out I had both M677T and A1298C, so my LLMD and ND put me on methyl forms of stuff. Then, I had the DNA data done more comprehensively and found out a MUCH much bigger picture for the methylation problems. In fact, the methyl forms are not the best for me—I need the hydroxy forms and a few other things, too.

If you are sensitive to the methyl forms of B12 and others, and you take the methyl forms you can overdose—too much of a good thing can also overload your body and you feel horrible and you herx (like IHL describes). So dosing needs to start out slowly—and you may need hydroxycobalamin B12, not the methylcobalamin B12. By all means stay away from cyanocobalamin (synthetic, cheap, crap).

So, this is all gibberish to most people. That's the great thing about the mutation reports—the more comprehensive ones tell you exactly what you should supplement with, given the broader picture.

Hope that helps—lots of posters here are supplementing for methylation problems so don't hesitate to ask more q's. If you're not up for the DNA testing, I would start out with the lowest dose of the methyl B12 and take note of how you're feeling.

IHL—are you saying the hydroxy forms are also making you feel bad? Or are you still taking the methyl forms?

You're having that reaction because it's too much for you. Your body needs help translating the methyl forms to a form you can use effectively. So, you really need to stop taking the shots, I think. And increase the detox to help get what your body can't use effectively out of the system—just like anything used to kill microbes needs help being detoxed out of your body.

Ask for the hydroxy B12 form—or don't take them at all. I think the sublingual (pill dissolved under the tongue) hydroxy forms exist but I've never seen it. Were you the one whose MD suggested the hydroxy form? I don't think most NDs/MDs understand the difference between the hydroxy and methyl forms.

-p

The methyl forms will state very clearly that they are methyl forms (or hydroxy forms)— B12 is methylcobalamin (or hydroxycobalamin). Some B12s come in methyl forms and adenosylcobalamin forms, which helps the methyl and/or hydroxy form get processed appropriately.

If it says NOTHING, just "B12" you can be sure it is the cheaper cyanocobalamin and mostly worthless, possibly risky.

I had an old tincture of Now Ultra B012, which has both methyl and cyanocobalamin but it's in the trash.

I also have a tincture of Methyl Factors that has B6 as pyridxol-5-phosphate, Folate as 5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid and the methylcobalamin. I've been taking this without much impact and then when I read my report, it's clear that I should not take this form of B6 or any forms of folate. My body can't process it.

There are sublingual pills that should also indicate the B12 form. Some with L-5-MTHF, which needs to be titrated slowly as the methyl form.

-p

See if you can return it. I've done that a couple times indicating I was "allergic" to it.

-p

Yes—
The FDA stopped 23andme from producing their own interpretation (they found it too narrowly defined and not scientifically based but I really don't know what that means—but according to MTHFR.net, this was likely an appropriate development).

So, go to nutrahacker.com and they have a button you click to upload your 23andme data .pdf. You'll get your report immediately, whether you choose the free report or pay for the comprehensive report.

(it just occurred to me that there is a possibility that any services "associated" with 23andme could possibly be their own service by "work-around" means. But I think the main problem with 23andme results previously was that it was simply a list of issues, and no information about what they mean and what to do about it, which is what you need).

Well, it's still confusing to me. I was able to figure out the basics after a lot of reading. Now, if I can just remember what I've read. ;) My brain often does not cooperate.

The NutraHacker report will include other categories besides methylation and detoxing, which I have not tried to get into much yet… And it can be overwhelming to learn all this info but not understand what to do with it. I think the "industry" understands methylation/detox mutations more thoroughly than the other categories, so the other categories don't always have sufficient suggestions. So, I am currently on a quest to find someone who can help with it. I will post about any progress I make!

-p

I will! Cross your fingers!

You know, if I were in nursing school, I would get through school and while doing that really focus on these DNA mutation issues… learn everything under the sun, graduate, get some practical experience. But then build a practice around that specialty. I have a feeling it's going to become a huge business. ;)

-p

Thanks, H98!

-p

sarah—
You should have some reaction—either a little more energy or herx-like signs that it's too overwhelming (exhaustion, feeling run-down, increased symptoms). If you don't feel anything at all, it's possible that your body doesn't know how to process the methyl form very well, so you're not getting the benefit. Someone else with that same challenge might feel overwhelmed with fatigue—it all depends on context.

I would try taking as small a dose as you can for a few days and slowly work up to a full dose. If you still don't have any results, try the hydroxycobalamin B12 form. And take full doses of it over time and then try the methyl form again—starting slowly and titrating up to a full dose.

Let us know how things go for you!

-p