#601: MTHFR Explained Part 1: Folate vs. Folic Acid and the Importance of B12 and B6 as the Methylation Team

On this episode of Vitality Radio, Jared is joined by his wife Jen to explore how folic acid, a synthetic B vitamin, is affecting our health - and the role of genetics in it all. What began as a simple dietary change unexpectedly revealed how folic acid in fortified foods, different forms of B vitamins, and individual genetics can significantly influence mood, energy, and mental clarity. Jared and Jen share their personal experience removing folic acid, adjusting B12 forms, and learning why some people thrive on methylated B vitamins while others feel worse. You’ll learn the key differences between folic acid and folate, why more supplementation isn’t always better, how B12 forms like methylcobalamin, hydroxocobalamin, and adenosylcobalamin behave differently in the body, and why B6, B12, and folate must work together as a team. This episode provides a practical framework for understanding why “doing everything right” doesn’t always lead to optimal results—and how thoughtful experimentation, label reading, and food quality make a meaningful difference.

B Vitamin Products Discussed

Additional Information:

Episode #601 Blog Post

#505: Emotional Vitality: Jen's Story Part 5 - The Impact of Diet on Mental Health and Physical Pain

Check out all five “Jen’s Story” Episodes!

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