Folate

Folate is a water soluble member of the B complex vitamins that is critical for maintaining optimal methylation. Folate is abundantly found in foods such as fruits and dark leafy vegetables but, can be easily destroyed by cooking or processing. The bioactive form of folate is 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF). 5-MTHF is required as a methyl group donor for several processes, including the production of mood regulating neurotransmitters, the synthesis of melatonin, and DNA production and repair.

Vitamin B₁₂

Vitamin B₁₂ works with folate in many body processes, including the synthesis of DNA, red blood cells and supporting health of the myelin sheath, the insulating exterior that surrounds nerve cells. B₁₂ is found primarily in animal foods. Vegetarians and the elderly run the highest risk of B₁₂ deficiency. Methylcobalamin is the preferred form of B₁₂, as it is the biologically active form of B₁₂ and supports the up-regulation of methylation pathways.

Vitamin B₆

Vitamin B₆ is a crucial B vitamin that is involved in the production of proteins in the body, neurotransmitters that help regulate mood, red blood cell formation and the proper functioning of the immune system. B₆ is required for more than 60 different enzymatic reactions that occur in the body. Vitamin B₆ works along with 5-MTHF and B₁₂ in the recycling of homocysteine. B₆ also supports a healthy cardiovascular system by promoting healthy platelet aggregation and aids in maintaining normal blood pressure.

Vitamin B₂

Optimizing B₂ status helps support healthy blood pressure, particularly in patients with genetic mutations (MTHFR 677 > T polymorphism).

Betaine (Trimethylglycine)

As a methyl donor, trimethylglycine supports liver function, including detoxification pathways. Trimethylglycine has been shown to be beneficial in protecting against fat accumulation in the liver, due to its lipotropic properties (donating a methyl group to aid in the transport of fat out of the liver). Trimethylglycine also works alongside B₂, B₆, B₁₂ and folate in maintaining normal homocysteine levels.