DESCRIPTION B Complex with Metafolin®, is a comprehensive B supplement providing essential B vitamins and intrinsic factor, a nutrient necessary for optimal vitamin B12 absorption. B Complex with Metafolin® is unique among other B complex
vitamins as it contains Metafolin®, a patented,
natural form of (6S) 5-methyltetrahydrofolate
(5-MTHF).
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 cells, hormones, and
nervous system function. As water-soluble
substances, B vitamins are not generally stored
in the body in any appreciable amounts (with the
exception of vitamin B-12). Therefore, the body
needs an adequate supply of B vitamins on
a daily basis.
Thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin are all essential
coenzymes in energy production.
Thiamin is
converted quickly into thiamin pyrophosphate,
which is required for glycolytic and Krebs cycle
reactions. Thiamin also appears to be related to
nerve impulse transmission.
Riboflavin is a
component of the coenzymes FAD and FMN,
which are intermediates in many redox
reactions, including energy production and
cellular respiration reactions.
Niacin is also a
component of the coenzymes NAD and NADP,
which are involved in energy production, as well
as biosynthetic processes.
Vitamin B-6 is a coenzyme in amino acid
metabolism. It is necessary for the metabolism of
homocysteine and the conversion of tryptophan
into niacin. Vitamin B-6 dependent enzymes are
also needed for the biosynthesis of many
neurotransmitters, including serotonin,
epinephrine, and norepinephrine.
Methylcobalamin (vitamin B-12) 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
coenzyme form of B12, may be better utilized
and better retained in the body. Metafolin® is a
patented, natural form of (6S) 5-
methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF). 5-MTHF is
the naturally occurring, 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. 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-
methylenetetrahydrofolate 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.
Biotin and pantothenic acid are also coenzymes
essential for energy production from dietary fats,
carbohydrates, and proteins. Pantothenic acid is
a component of coenzyme A and of
phosphopantetheine, and is therefore essential
for Krebs cycle operation. Biotin is involved in
many carboxylation reactions associated with
gluconeogenesis, the Krebs cycle, and fatty
acid synthesis.
Intrinsic factor is a protein produced by cells in
the stomach lining. It is needed by the intestines
to absorb vitamin B12 efficiently. A deficiency of
intrinsic factor can lead to vitamin B12
deficiency. Certain populations, including the
elderly and those unable to effectively produce
intrinsic factor, can be more susceptible to B12
deficiency.
INDICATIONS B Complex with Metafolin® may be useful for
individuals who want to supplement with a
complete array of B vitamins and related
nutrients.
FORMULA (#200765) Serving Size 1 Vegetarian Capsule - Servings per Container 60
One vegetarian capsule contains:
Thiamine ........................................ 50 mg
(Vitamin B-1, as thiamine HCL)