Methyl B12 Plus 90 Lozenges

Methyl B12 Plus by Douglas Laboratories® provides Metafolin® L-methylfolate and vitamin B12 methylcobalamin in a great-tasting lozenge that rapidly dissolves in the mouth. Methylfolate and methylcobalamin are the predominant forms of B vitamins commonly found in cells that do not require additional conversion in the body. Methyl B12 Plus lozenges are sweetened naturally with xylitol, mannitol and flavored with natural black cherry and vanilla.

Functions
As co-enzymes, the B vitamins are essential components in most major metabolic reactions. They play an important role in energy production, including the metabolism of lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins. B vitamins are also important for blood cell production, hormone production, nervous system function, normal homocysteine metabolism, and proper methylation. Methylcobalamin (vitamin B12) and folate are coenzymes in DNA and RNA metabolism. Both of these B vitamins assist in homocysteine metabolism. Folate serves as a methyl donor and methylcobalamin as a coenzyme in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine.

Studies indicate that methylcobalamin, a co-enzyme form of vitamin B12, may be better utilized and better retained in the body due to its methyl structure. Certain populations, including the elderly, immune-compromised, use of proton-pump inhibitors, and strict vegetarians are often at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency, either due to low dietary intake or impaired absorption. Intrinsic factor, a protein produced by cells in the stomach lining, is needed by the intestines to absorb vitamin B12 efficiently. Certain populations, including the elderly and those unable to effectively produce intrinsic factor due to certain medications, can be more susceptible to B12 deficiency. Methyl B12 Plus provides vitamin B12 in a sublingual tablet form that bypasses the stomach and does not require intrinsic factor for absorption.

L-methylfolate (5-MTHF ) is the naturally occur ring, predominant form of folate commonly found in cells and is essential for overall health, as it participates as a cofactor in a reaction that involves the remethylation of homocysteine to methionine. Metafolin is a patented, natural form of (6S) 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF). Unlike synthetic folic acid, 5-MTHF can be used directly by the body, without the need for an additional conversion via the enzyme (5,10-methylenete trahydrofolate reductase [MTHFR]). In certain populations, the body's ability to convert folic acid to 5-MTHF by use of this enzyme may be compromised due to genetic differences. Metafolin contains only the S isomer of 5-MTHF and has been shown to be the only form of folate to be able to cross the blood-brain barrier.