Is L-methylfolate 5-mthf Plus Methyl B12 Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When evaluating whether a supplement is truly vegan, the active ingredients are rarely the issue. L-methylfolate (5-MTHF) and Methyl B12 are synthetic or fermented forms of vitamins that do not inherently contain animal products. The real detective work begins with the inactive ingredients, often called excipients, which hold the supplement together and make it palatable.

The primary flag in this formula is Organic Vegetable Glycerin. Glycerin acts as a solvent and sweetener, particularly in liquid drops or softgels. While the name 'vegetable glycerin' sounds promising, it is crucial to verify the source. Historically, glycerin was derived from animal fats (tallow). However, modern supplements labeled 'vegetable' are typically sourced from soy, palm, or coconut oils. The term 'Organic' further supports a plant-based origin, but without explicit certification stating it is 100% plant-derived, strict vegans often exercise caution.

Next, we examine the Organic Berry Flavor. This blend consists of organic acacia gum and natural flavors. Acacia gum (gum arabic) is a plant-based resin, making it perfectly vegan. 'Natural flavors' is a more complex term. In a berry-flavored supplement, these are almost certainly derived from fruit or plant sources. However, natural flavors can technically be derived from animal products in other contexts. Given the product's 'Organic' and 'Berry' profile, it is highly likely to be plant-based, but it remains a variable that depends on the manufacturer's specific sourcing.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, L-methylfolate 5-mthf Plus Methyl B12 is a low-impact supplement regarding calories, sugar, and fat. Because it is designed to deliver micronutrients rather than macronutrients, it fits easily into almost any diet, including weight loss plans or low-carb regimens.

The Organic Vegetable Glycerin does contribute a small amount of carbohydrates. Glycerin is technically a sugar alcohol and provides about 4.3 calories per gram, though it has a minimal impact on blood sugar levels compared to standard sugar. The Organic Berry Flavor adds negligible nutritional value but ensures the product is palatable without the need for added sugars or artificial sweeteners. If you are monitoring your intake of additives, this product is relatively clean, containing no major red flags like high fructose corn syrup or synthetic dyes.