I was told I have a MTHFR gene mutation. Do I need to take methylated forms of B vitamins, such as methylfolate and methylcobalamin?

Answer:

The most common MTHFR gene mutation, the C677T mutation, may make your body less efficient at converting folic acid and folate into L-methylfolate, the active, methylated form of folate in the body. Forms of folate such as methylfolate or folinic acid may be more efficient at raising folate levels in the body than folic acid (the common form in supplements) in affected people, although it is not entirely clear that these special forms are necessary.

People with this mutation may also be more likely to be deficient in vitamin B-12 and may need additional B-12 either as its methylated form, methylcobalamin, or the more common form, cyanocobalamin.

Taking vitamin B2 (riboflavin) may also be helpful for people with C677T mutation who also have high blood pressure.

On the other hand, people with another MTHFR gene mutation (the A1298C mutation) do not appear to be at increased risk for any health conditions, including vitamin B-12 deficiency or elevated homocysteine concentrations, compared to those without this mutation.

For more about this, see the What to Consider When Using section of the B Vitamin Supplements Review.