(Part 3) Reddit mentions: The best vitamin b12 supplements

> homozygous for C677T....Might this be what OP has?

Essentially there are two genes (that we currently know of) that impact how your body processes folate. One is *677 and the other is *1298 (where the * can be A, C, or T depending on the mutation). You can inherit the mutation in one or both of these genes from one or both parents. 'Homozygous' for one of those genes means you inherited two defective copies of that gene, one from each parent. 'Heterozygous' means you only inherited one defective copy. But each gene is treated separately and carries various risks and nutrient concerns. So the permutations are:

C677C = normal MTHFR gene #1

C677T = heterozygous mutation (one mutation)

T677T = homozygous mutation (two mutations)

A1298A = normal MTHFR gene #2

A1298C = heterozygous mutation (one mutation)

C1298C = homozygous mutation (two mutations)

OP said:

>I have one copy each of the two heterozygous MTHFR mutations

This means she is heterozygous for both genes, so she has C677T and A1298C together. I don't know the status of your 1298 gene, but your statement indicates you have the T677T variant which is two mutations of the 677 gene, one from each parent. If you also had a defect in your 1298 gene, the doctor probably would have noted it (although it doesn't hurt to confirm). The level of mutation you have will determine how much of an impact there will be on your dietary needs. From the Masterjohn page:

>There’s a good chance you have an MTHFR polymorphism. In some populations, the percentage of people who do not have either at least one C677T allele or one A1298C allele is only 15%! Most of the research is on the homozygous C677T allele because it’s the strongest variant. But actually the two alleles and their combinations simply cause a graded decrease in the activity of the MTHFR enzyme. One A1298C allele decreases its activity by 17%. One C677T decreases it 33%. Two A198C decrease it by 39%. One of each decreases it 53%. Two C677T decrease it by 75%.

So OP (according to these numbers) has a 53% decrease in their MTHFR activity (folate conversion) while you have a 75% decrease.

For more reading, here is another page discussing the variants.

As for the prescription, you can get a very similar product for much cheaper from non-prescription brands like Jarrow (here or here). If you are trying to match the product you were prescribed, look for a product with 3000 mcg methylfolate, 35 mg of P5P B6, and 2000 mcg of methylcobalamin (B12). Note that the dosing of folate is quite high in that product which some researchers (like Masterjohn) don't find terribly useful. Read around on his page for a bit and decide for yourself what you think is best, but if it was me (not medical advice!) I would replace that prescription with something cheaper and very likely just as effective. You can also look into choline supplementation since that is likely to be an issue for you as well with such a strong mutation.

Our current stack looks like this and is still a work in progress. Please comment as to what might be better options, thanks!.

Updated 8/30:

Protein Smoothie - Garden of Life, 1x/day in am
https://www.amazon.com/Garden-Life-Organic-Vitamins-Probiotics/dp/B007SYT7LO/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1503340441&sr=1-4&keywords=garden%2Bof%2Blife%2Bprotein%2Bpowder&th=1#customerReviews

Green Drink - Garden of Life, 1x/day in am w/ prot smoothie
https://www.amazon.com/Garden-Life-Vegan-Superfood-Powder/dp/B00FB1S988/ref=sr_1_2?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1503340620&sr=1-2-spons&keywords=garden+of+life+green+superfood+powder&psc=1

Multi - Centrum Silver then changing to Pure Encapsulations, 1xday in am w/ breakfast
https://www.amazon.com/Pure-Encapsulations-Multivitamin-Essentials-Hypoallergenic/dp/B00CBYG1L0/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1503339918&sr=8-4&keywords=pure+encapsulations+multivitamin

Lecithin (phos choline) - Moms Organic Market sunflower<br /> no link<br /> <br /> Fish Oil - Nordic Naturals, 2x/day in am/pm<br /> https://www.amazon.com/Nordic-Naturals-ProOmega-2000-Lemon/dp/B017UTEA4K/ref=sr_1_30_s_it?s=hpc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1503340380&amp;amp;sr=1-30&amp;amp;keywords=nordic+naturals+fish+oil<br /> <br /> B12 - Jarrow Forumla Methyl, 1x/day in am<br /> https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VE9B9II/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&amp;amp;th=1<br /> <br /> Ginko - Moms Organic Market, 2x/day in am/pm
no link

L-theanine/Gaba - Allergy Research Group, 2x/day in am/pm
https://www.amazon.com/Allergy-Research-Group-Vegetarian-Capsules/dp/B000GU4TXI/ref=sr_1_5_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1503340983&sr=1-5&keywords=allergy+research+group

Melatonin - Moms Organic Market, 1x/day in pm<br /> no link<br /> <br /> Digestive Support - Trifal Ayush Herbs, 1x/day in pm<br /> https://www.amazon.com/Ayush-Herbs-Herbal-Supplement-Trifal/dp/B0012ZY6VG/ref=sr_1_11_s_it?s=hpc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1503341173&amp;amp;sr=1-11&amp;amp;keywords=ayush+herbs<br /> <br /> Magnesium - Mega Mag Moms Market, 1x/day in pm
no link

Aloe Vera - Solaray, 1x/day in pm - plan to discontinue when done
https://www.amazon.com/Solaray-Aloe-Vera-Gel-capsules/dp/B00014FGHW/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1503341317&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=solaray+aloe+vera&psc=1

Vitamin C - Viva Naturals, 2x day in am/pm
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C6C3GCY/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

DHEA - Zhou, 1x day in am
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UXLUFJ2/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Phos Serine - Doctors Best, 2x day in am/pm<br /> https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0036FWOJQ/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&amp;amp;th=1<br /> <br /> Alcarn - Natures Trove, 2x day in am/pm
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NCOTSWG/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

CoQ10- Garden of Life Raw, 1x day in am
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005JAT54S/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

B Complex - Garden of Life Raw, 2xday in am/pm
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0098U0SQO/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Current on order:

Turmeric/Curcumin - Key Nutrition
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LWA6WO8/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A1ILK2NFE4Q1Q1&th=1

PQQ - Health Through Nutrition
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SA2JLBY/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=AP6P3N856MFIS&th=1

Resveratrol - BRI Nutrition
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LPW9X32/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=A196A8GC0YNHR&psc=1

Alpha GPC - VitaMonk
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01K13ACDA/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?smid=A3PSSFJH9JG29L&psc=1

Alpha-Lipoic Acid - Doctor`s Best
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004O672ES/ref=ox_sc_act_title_5?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&th=1

Bacopa Monnieri - Pure Mountain Botanicals
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00S02A1UO/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Ashwagandha - Nutra Herbs
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GZALWGO/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&th=1

Bacopa will be replacing Ginko and Alpha GPC will replace the lecithin. Any other suggestions are welcome, the stack in its current form is a bit unmanageable however it helps to empty the capsules into the protein smoothie in the morning and into a blueberry keifr milk smoothie in the afternoon or early evening.

I think this could easily be true, and it won't hurt to try.

Also, this is a long shot, but I wonder if you have a B2 (riboflavin) and/or B3 (niacin) deficiency. It is sort of weird to have this without having any eye symptoms, but maybe the rest of your diet is compensating. Coffee impairs the absorption of most B vitamins (except B12) and would partially explain why you get so itchy after coffee - it temporarily exacerbates the existing deficiency. The deficiency might ultimately be "caused" by some kind of parasite - maybe you're getting adequate amounts for a normal person, but the parasite makes you need more. If you decide to try supplementing, I recommend either focusing on food sources or getting a liquid (or liqui-gel) b-complex because it's easier for your body to absorb. Definitely do not take a giant-ass pure niacin pill because you'll get the "niacin flush" reaction, which is temporary and harmless but sort of alarming and very very itchy.

Also, if you eat a ton of raw egg whites for some reason, you might be giving yourself a biotin (b7) deficiency. This is pretty unlikely, though.

More on B2/riboflavin:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riboflavin#Riboflavin_deficiency
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=93#deficiencysymptoms

More on B3/niacin:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niacin#Deficiency
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=83#deficiencysymptoms

To help with absorption you should take a Vitamin C tablet ideally at the same time you are taking one for B12. Yes, you will absolutely need to supplement it with one. Please ensure your B12 is methylcobalamin and stay clear of any with cyanocobalamin! This is the one I use but it ultimately comes down to preference.

It has been scientifically proven (mainly with the work of Roy Swank) that a low fat diet with the exclusion of dairy and meat is ideal for those with MS. You can read more about that here! I promise it is not vegan propaganda in any way, shape, or form. The source is neutral.

This is an article explaining why Jack Osborne should've gone vegan instead of paleo. There is a vegan slant here given the obvious but the information is accurate and eloquently breaks down what the first link mentions.

Start taking some B12 vitamin along with your vitamin supplements.. It should give u enough energy and heck, it'll even help u burn faster.

I like these:
Nature Made Energy B-12 Adult Gummies Cherry & Wild Berries -- 80 Gummies https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H34BOCE/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_4gG9ub1KKM3DW

My formula is rather unique, and it will be quite expensive to buy each of its components in retail brands. No one brand comes close but if your willing to take several different brands, the active ingredients may approximate my stack. here are some brands that each seem to satisfy one of the key components.

http://www.amazon.com/Extreme-Vitamin-Complex-sublingual-tablets/dp/B0011TU4GY/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1463253125&sr=8-3&keywords=extreme+b12

http://www.methylpro.com/product/5-MTHF-15mg/new_products

sulbutiamine can be bought from powder city. pyritinol can be bought from ceretropic. I'd reccommend getting the rest from swanson vitamins (swanson brand, the other ones on the site are mainly either overpriced versions of the same thing or a marketing ploy to advertise an extra feature that provides little real benefit, at a large mark up) , on account of their goods/price ratio

Um, most brands, as far as my experience has been.

This is what I take for vitamin D: Amazon Brand - Solimo Vitamin D3 50 mcg (2000 IU), 365 Softgels, Value Size - One Year Supply https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079C83Z3L/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_evh2Cb25147Z8

Natures Bounty Vitamin B-12 1000 Mcg Tablets, Value Size - 200 Ea https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DYSUQR2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_0wh2CbSESDK0B

https://nutritionfacts.org/questions/what-is-the-best-way-to-get-b12/

>I’m so glad you asked! In my opinion, the easiest and cheapest way to get our B12 is to take at least 2,500 mcg (µg) cyanocobalamin once each week, ideally as a chewable, sublingual, or liquid supplement (you can’t take too much–all you get is expensive pee). I have a video about it here: Cheapest Source of Vitamin B12.

>Or, if you’d rather get into the habit of taking something daily (instead of once-a-week), I recommend at least 250mcg (I know the math doesn’t seem to “add up” but that’s due to the vagaries of the B12 receptor system–see my video Daily Source of Vitamin B12).

Personally I take these twice a week because they are the cheapest I could find and are sort of in the middle of those recommendations.

I get the the mouth ulcers (also on tongue and in my throat). The most effective thing I’ve found for me is OraCoat B12 Melts. They adhere to your mouth and slowly dissolve/release the medication. I’ve slept with them in and never had an issue. If I start using them as soon as I feel a sore starting, I might only need 4-6 of them. For bigger or multiple sores, I often use the whole box. I put them as close to the sore (or worst sore) as possible. I can’t find them locally, but amazon has them.

https://www.amazon.com/Oracoat-Melts-Mouth-Sores-Count/dp/B00KR0JADQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=hb12&qid=1559168750&s=gateway&sr=8-4

I hope you can find some relief

NOW Supplements, Instant Energy B-12 (2,000 mcg of B-12 per packet), 75 Packets https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0019LVHEC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_taa_GNW0CbYC6WBQE

These help. They are more effective than B12 shots, in my experience.

I take 5mg (5,000mcg) of 5-methyl folate. It is the bioavailable version of folic acid. I take that along with B6, B12, Vitamin E, Vitamin D, and wheatgrass. This combination has raised my Hb by about 1 point, so a pretty substantial improvement for me.

this is the one I take: https://www.amazon.com/NOW-Methyl-Folate-5000mcg-Capsules/dp/B078QY4BX5/ref=sr_1_11?crid=21Q9E2IFPM5F9&keywords=5+methyl+folate&qid=1562948755&s=gateway&sprefix=5+methyl%2Caps%2C172&sr=8-11

This is some great protein powder if you're concerned about protein. As for whole food sources of protein, here is an article.

To get the 2 micro-nutrients of concern, here are B12 + D3 Gummies.

I'd recommend you try cronometer.com to document what you eat and alleviate your worries.

There are helpful resources here: https://challenge22.com/

I get my B12 from here:

https://www.amazon.com/NOW-B-12-2000-mcg-Lozenges/dp/B001QNPWGM/

This is a 2 milligram tablet or 2000 micrograms. The average human needs 2.4 micrograms a day so this has 83,333% (that's 83 thousand percent...) of what you need per day. If absorption was perfect and you could store it all then each pill has over a 2 year supply of B12 and costs $0.06

There are stories that it can take a few years to show signs of B12 deficiency but just to be safe I take a B12 tablet twice a week. Basically that $6 bottle will last me a year.

You should look up some easy vegan recipes on youtube/google you can stick to at least for a while.

Use cronometer.com to make sure you're consuming enough calories daily and getting adequate nutrients.

Buy a [B12 supplement] (https://www.amazon.com/Natures-Bounty-Dissolve-Vitamin-Natural/dp/B007B339Z2/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1472514679&sr=8-1&keywords=b-12+quick+dissolve).

Right on. Magnesium is an important supplement that most people are deficient in.

I personally, have also found folate and methyl-B12 supplementation to be helpful.

>chew up one 2500 mcg tablet once a week

Pretty simple.

How do these look?

http://www.amazon.com/Spring-Valley-Vitamin-Sublingual-Microlozenges/dp/B0028LYCJE

You might have a deficiency of intrinsic factor. Without it, B12 won't be absorbed in terminal ileum. Get this supplement: https://www.amazon.com/Progressive-Labs-Intrinsic-Factor-Supplement/dp/B003PQRODC , but make sure you eat the products which contain B12

https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Made-Vitamin-Tablets-200-Count/dp/B001F1HU3S/ref=sr_1_5_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1506618924&sr=1-5&keywords=b12&th=1

There you go, ~5 months' supply for $12. That brand is available in most grocery stores near me. You can go somewhat more expensive if you respond better to methylcobalamin.

It was $23.74 for the 120 so it was only $0.19 per pill. HEREis the link. Compared to the price and the volume, getting the higher dose seemed reasonable. Had good reviews too.

I use this one

Its good

B12 gets pee'd out so there's no worry of overdosing, especially not on a common dose like that. I take these and I'm doing fine.

We don't need animals to get B12.

https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Made-Vitamin-Tablets-200-Count/dp/B001F1HU3S/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1497314710&sr=1-4&keywords=b12+supplement

It doesn't, this is the one I have: https://www.amazon.com/Methylcobalamin-Sublingual-Natural-Health-Goodies/dp/B015ELOW8A

I couldn't find the whole foods brand, but I did find this

​

https://www.amazon.com/NOW-B-12-Instant-Energy-75-Packets/dp/B0019LVHEC

My doctor has me take 50mg daily of the douglas brand, but I also get an additional 2.5 mg in the jarrows sublingual tablets I take 1 a day of (I take the 50mg before bed with magnesium and zinc to create a higher qualty ZMA as opposed to most ZMA formulations that use the cheaper version of b6. I actually used to get diarrhea from a crappy ZMA due to a cheap form of b6 and magnesium.

> Not trying to tell you not to be vegan. I don't get it, but as long as you're not trying to lecture me for not being vegan, I'm gonna return the favour and leave you alone about it too

You live your life bro, I live mine. I'm not here to convert people, just to point out the idea that most vegans need protein supplements is flat wrong.

> probably cheaper to get them from food.

However on this front, I disagree. I get vegan b12 supplements off amazon at 10 bucks for 250, so $0.04/day. A vegan diet is otherwise cheap as hell. Tofu is cheaper per pound than meat, bulk rice and beans are cheap and if you are eating healthy you should be buying vegetables anyways. So, I don't really agree that eating meat is cheaper way to go.