Denovo Plus B12 is a medical food containing the bioactive forms of two B vitamins: L-methylfolate and vitamin B12. It is formulated to provide nutritional support for individuals who have difficulty processing certain vitamins. This product works by supplying ready-to-use nutrients that bypass certain metabolic steps.
The Key Ingredients in Denovo Plus B12
The primary component in Denovo Plus B12 is L-methylfolate, the most biologically active form of folate, also known as vitamin B9. Unlike synthetic folic acid, which the body must convert through a multi-step process, L-methylfolate is ready for immediate use by cells.
The second ingredient is a specific form of vitamin B12 called methylcobalamin. Methylcobalamin is also a naturally occurring, active form of the vitamin, meaning the body can use it without needing to convert it first. This form of B12 contributes to the health of the nervous system, including the maintenance and repair of nerve tissues. It is also involved in the production of red blood cells and the synthesis of DNA.
Each capsule of Denovo Plus B12 contains 15 mg of L-methylfolate and 2 mg of methylcobalamin. This specific formulation delivers high doses of these nutrients in their most accessible forms. The combination is designed to address potential deficiencies or metabolic inefficiencies that can affect both of these vitamins.
The Synergistic Action of L-methylfolate and B12
The combination of L-methylfolate and vitamin B12 is based on their interdependent roles in a cellular process known as the methylation cycle. This cycle is responsible for transferring methyl groups for countless bodily functions, including DNA synthesis and neurotransmitter production. Both L-methylfolate and B12 act as cofactors in this pathway.
Specifically, they work together to convert an amino acid called homocysteine into another amino acid, methionine. L-methylfolate provides the methyl group, and vitamin B12, in its methylcobalamin form, facilitates the transfer of this group to homocysteine. This reaction produces methionine, a building block for proteins and other molecules, and also regulates homocysteine levels.
This process can be impaired in individuals with a common genetic variant in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene. This gene provides instructions for making the MTHFR enzyme, which is responsible for the final step in converting dietary folate and folic acid into active L-methylfolate. A variation in this gene can reduce the enzyme’s activity by up to 70%, leading to lower levels of L-methylfolate and, consequently, a buildup of homocysteine. By providing L-methylfolate directly, Denovo Plus B12 bypasses this inefficient enzymatic step.
Common Uses and Applications
Denovo Plus B12 is used as a medical food to support individuals with conditions linked to folate deficiency and impaired methylation. One of its main applications is in conjunction with standard treatments for major depressive disorder. The connection lies in the methylation cycle’s role in synthesizing neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which regulate mood. Insufficient L-methylfolate can disrupt the production of these chemicals, and providing the active form may help support mood balance.
Another application is in managing diabetic neuropathy, a type of nerve damage associated with diabetes. Both L-methylfolate and B12 contribute to nerve health. Vitamin B12 is directly involved in maintaining the myelin sheath that protects nerve fibers, while both vitamins help lower elevated homocysteine levels, which are considered a risk factor for nerve and blood vessel damage.
Administration and Important Considerations
Denovo Plus B12 is classified as a “medical food,” which means it is intended for the specific dietary management of a disease or condition and must be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider. While it does not always require a prescription, professional guidance is recommended to determine if it is appropriate for an individual’s specific health needs. A doctor can assess factors like genetic predispositions and existing health conditions before recommending its use.
The dosage is one capsule taken daily, but this can vary based on a physician’s recommendation. Potential side effects are mild but can include digestive upset or changes in sleep patterns. Individuals should inform their doctor about all medications and supplements they are taking, as interactions can occur.
Patients should be screened for certain conditions, such as bipolar disorder, before starting, as mood elevation is possible. Additionally, high doses of folate can sometimes mask the symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency, although using the active forms of both vitamins, as found in Denovo Plus B12, may make this less of a concern.