Methylation is the biochemical process of the transfer of one carbon atom and three hydrogen atoms, CH3 – a methyl group, from one substance to another. Supporting healthy methylation is vital to promoting healthy genetic expression and cellular functions.  When sufficient methyl groups are available, it has a positive effect regulating many biochemical reactions throughout the body including cardiovascular, neurological, reproductive and detoxification systems. 

It is suggested that 60% of the population suffers from a genetic mutation compromising the proper conversion of unmethylated Bs

Through a series of biochemical reactions with homocysteine, the coenzyme factors of vitamin B12 and folate are critical to the methionine synthase pathway, supporting healthy homocysteine metabolism and S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) production. This methylation cycle only works if enough folate (5-MTHF) and B-12 as methylcobalimin are present. 

It is suggested that 60% of the population suffers from a genetic mutation compromising the proper conversion of unmethylated vitamin Bs. Without proper methyl transfer for homocysteine modulation, the necessary formation of methyl donors involved in cardiovascular, neurological, reproductive and detoxification functions cannot be adequately produced.         

The 3 Super Stars: Folate (as 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate), B12 (as Methylcobalamin), B6 (as Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate)

Premier Research Labs’ Phyto-Methylate contains three fully active co-enzymes of the blood -circulating forms of folate (as 5-methytetrahydrofolate), vitamin B12 (as methylcobalamin) and B6 (as pyridoxal-5-phosphate). While the body is able to absorb food-source vitamin Bs, it must further convert them to these three coenzyme forms in order for it to become metabolically active in the body. Unfortunately, over half of the U.S. population is unable to metabolize the unmethylated forms of specific B vitamins, namely folate and vitamin B12.   When folate (as 5-methyltetrahydrofolate) and vitamin B12 (as methylcobalamin) are provided to the body in these active biologically forms, they are able to yield optimal bioavailability as well as tissue retention which can promote healthy methyl formation.

Choline Substantially Contributes to the Pool of Methyl Groups

The enzyme, methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), catalyzes the first steps of the biosynthesis of sulfur-containing amino acids, including that of methionine via homocysteine. Vitamin B12 (preferably methylcobalamin) is a cofactor for methionine synthase, the enzyme which directly catalyzes this conversion. These relationships are important to acknowledge, as fluctuations in bioavailable B vitamins can shift the dynamics of reactions requiring free choline as well. Choline intake has also been shown to have a direct inverse effect on levels of plasma homocysteine by working in synergy with end-chain B vitamins in homocysteine metabolism because of their shared roles in methylation and amino acid synthesis.

Choline substan­tially contributes to the pool of methyl groups that can be used for one-carbon transfer reactions with DNA and protein. Choline is oxidized in a two-step process and subsequently remethylates homocysteine to S-adenosylmethionine, a meth­yl donor necessary for the synthesis of DNA and RNA, the myelin insulation for neurons and other biological materials.