Advertisement
Bioactive B Vitamins Are Critical For Promoting Brain Health — Here's Why
![Morgan Chamberlain Morgan Chamberlain](https://mindbodygreen-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/c_fill,g_auto,w_50,h_50,q_auto,f_auto,fl_lossy/usr/SrWLuSq.jpg)
![](https://mindbodygreen-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/c_fill,g_auto,w_480,h_322,q_auto,f_auto,fl_lossy/org/lsi5jc3z5l5v4mmam.jpg)
To say that B vitamins are important to whole-body health is a serious understatement. These eight essential vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, B6, biotin, folate, and B12) are critical for brain function, neurotransmitter production, healthy methylation, and more.*
So, what if I told you there's a good chance your body can't utilize the B's in your supplement efficiently? Unfortunately, bioavailability isn't considered in many supplement formulas that include B vitamins, even though it should be top priority.
Why you should choose bioactive and methylated B vitamins
Approximately 50% of the U.S. population has a gene variant of the MTHFR gene, which provides instructions for your body to convert folate (vitamin B9) to its active form (5-MTHF), which is vital for cellular pathways that drive a whole-body biological process called methylation.*
While converting folate to 5-MTHF isn't entirely impossible with an MTHFR gene variation, this unique polymorphism can reduce active folate production by up to 70%1, which can cause real health concerns down the road.
However, when supplements feature B vitamins that are already in their bioactive forms (and for folate and vitamin B12, that means their methylated forms), folks with an MTHFR gene variant are getting nutrients they can readily use in cells and organs throughout their body (yes, including your brain).
And remember, 50% of people have these gene variations, but most don't even know it. Since bioavailable B vitamins have no downside for individuals who don't have a variant, it's always a good idea to make sure the B's you're taking are bioactive and ready to go (just in case).
Here's a comprehensive list of the exact bioactive B vitamin forms to look for:
- B1: thiamin mononitrate
- B2: riboflavin-5-phosphate
- B3: niacinamide
- B5: D-calcium pantothenate
- B6: pyridoxal-5-phosphate
- B7: D-biotin
- B9: (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid (e.g., as Quatrefolic®)
- B12: methylcobalamin
How methylated B's support whole-body health
B vitamins are crucial for cognitive health and mental well-being. Thanks to their important role in methylation, these essential vitamins affect everything from glucose regulation2 and neurotransmitter synthesis to sleep health3, mood support, and brain cell function4.*
B vitamins are also essential for healthy methylation, and methylation plays a critical role in cognitive health and performance. To support a healthy methylation cycle, central nervous system, and overall well-being, taking a supplement with methylated, bioactive B's—particularly, folate, riboflavin, and vitamins B6 and B12—is a no-brainer.*
The takeaway
Bioactive B vitamins are so important for supporting the methylation cycle, cognitive function, and mental well-being—especially for folks with MTHFR gene variations.*
mbg's methylation support+ delivers activated riboflavin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, and amino acid derivative betaine to promote healthy methylation and optimize brain function and longevity.*
4 Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10679944/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22462011/
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-53648-7?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=commission_junction&utm_campaign=CONR_PF018_ECOM_GL_PHSS_ALWYS_DEEPLINK&utm_content=textlink&utm_term=PID100064639&CJEVENT=1c00cd2a35fc11ed80528fa90a82b820
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4772032/
Watch Next
Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes
Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes
What Is Meditation?
Mindfulness/Spirituality | Light Watkins
Box Breathing
Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar
What Breathwork Can Address
Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar
The 8 Limbs of Yoga - What is Asana?
Yoga | Caley Alyssa
Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips
Yoga | Caley Alyssa
How Plants Can Optimize Athletic Performance
Nutrition | Rich Roll
What to Eat Before a Workout
Nutrition | Rich Roll
How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life
Nutrition | Sahara Rose
Messages About Love & Relationships
Love & Relationships | Esther Perel
Love Languages
Love & Relationships | Esther Perel
What Is Meditation?
Box Breathing
What Breathwork Can Address
The 8 Limbs of Yoga - What is Asana?
Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips
How Plants Can Optimize Athletic Performance
What to Eat Before a Workout
How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life
Messages About Love & Relationships
Love Languages
Advertisement
![How To Gain 2.5 Pounds Of Muscle With Your Current Workout Routine How To Gain 2.5 Pounds Of Muscle With Your Current Workout Routine](https://mindbodygreen-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/c_fill,g_auto,w_440,h_296,q_auto,f_auto,fl_lossy/org/80rrmxsw6m0pmidjr.jpeg)
How To Gain 2.5 Pounds Of Muscle With Your Current Workout Routine
Molly Knudsen, M.S., RDN
![This One Type Of Food Can Cause Overeating & Derail Weight Loss Goals This One Type Of Food Can Cause Overeating & Derail Weight Loss Goals](https://mindbodygreen-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_258,y_294,w_1120,h_747/c_fill,g_auto,w_440,h_296,q_auto,f_auto,fl_lossy/org/wfoqztkxkjtkmuz39.jpg)
This One Type Of Food Can Cause Overeating & Derail Weight Loss Goals
Gretchen Lidicker, M.S.
![How To Gain 2.5 Pounds Of Muscle With Your Current Workout Routine How To Gain 2.5 Pounds Of Muscle With Your Current Workout Routine](https://mindbodygreen-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/c_fill,g_auto,w_726,h_488,q_auto,f_auto,fl_lossy/org/80rrmxsw6m0pmidjr.jpeg)
How To Gain 2.5 Pounds Of Muscle With Your Current Workout Routine
Molly Knudsen, M.S., RDN
![This One Type Of Food Can Cause Overeating & Derail Weight Loss Goals This One Type Of Food Can Cause Overeating & Derail Weight Loss Goals](https://mindbodygreen-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_258,y_294,w_1120,h_747/c_fill,g_auto,w_726,h_488,q_auto,f_auto,fl_lossy/org/wfoqztkxkjtkmuz39.jpg)
This One Type Of Food Can Cause Overeating & Derail Weight Loss Goals
Gretchen Lidicker, M.S.