Active vitamin forms: decoding a premium label

Methylcobalamin - P-5-P, bisglycinate: six forms to know to decode a premium multivitamin label and judge its real quality.

A premium multivitamin label reads on two levels: the numbers (% NRV) and the names (chemical forms). The second often matters more than the first. Decoding the six quality markers to spot.

Six quality markers betray a premium label: methylcobalamin (B12), P-5-P (B6), 5-MTHF (folate), bisglycinate or citrate (magnesium and zinc) and L-selenomethionine (selenium). Conversely, cyanocobalamin, oxide and sulfate signal a low-end formula. The chemical form often weighs more than the % NRV on display.

1. Vitamin B12: methylcobalamin (not cyanocobalamin)

Methylcobalamin is the directly usable form. Cyanocobalamin, more stable and cheaper, requires enzymatic conversion with excretion of a residual cyanide radical (in tiny but real amounts). Superior tissue retention for methylcobalamin (Paul & Brady, 2017).

2. Vitamin B6: P-5-P (pyridoxal phosphate)

Active coenzyme form. Pyridoxine HCl, more common, requires liver phosphorylation. P-5-P is better tolerated in sensitive profiles.

3. Folate: 5-MTHF or folic acid

5-MTHF (methyltetrahydrofolate) is the active form. Folic acid remains predominant in standard supplements and works for most, but 25, 40% of the population carries an MTHFR polymorphism that reduces conversion. For these profiles, 5-MTHF is better tolerated.

4. Magnesium: bisglycinate, citrate or malate

Bisglycinate = high bioavailability, excellent digestive tolerance, little laxative effect. Citrate = good bioavailability, slightly laxative at high dose. Malate = supports cellular energy (Krebs cycle). Oxide = to be avoided (4% bioavailability).

5. Zinc: citrate or bisglycinate

Good bioavailability, excellent tolerance. Zinc picolinate is interesting but rarer. Oxide and sulfate are the basic forms to avoid.

6. Selenium: L-selenomethionine (not selenite)

The L-selenomethionine form is organic, better absorbed and stored than sodium selenite (inorganic form).

The Chutex Complete Multivitamin

We systematically use active or chelated forms: methylcobalamin, P-5-P, magnesium bisglycinate, zinc citrate, L-selenomethionine, chromium picolinate, copper and manganese bisglycinate. The price is slightly higher, so is the real bioavailability.

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