Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Based on 5 of 6 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Methyl Shield Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Natural Healthy Concepts

Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Methyl Shield is a dietary supplement by Natural Healthy Concepts with 6 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for riboflavin deficiency, migraine prevention, general energy and metabolism support.Based on those ingredients, 323 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Vitamin B6, Calcium Folinate, Riboflavin. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Methyl Shield by Natural Healthy Concepts

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 6 of its 6 active ingredients.
  • “Folate” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (2,000 mcg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Methyl Shield contains 6 active ingredients: riboflavin (vitamin B2), folate (a group ingredient whose components are listed separately), vitamin B12, vitamin B6, calcium folinate (a form of the B vitamin folate), and betaine anhydrous. These are B vitamins and related compounds involved in methylation — the chemical process your body uses to regulate genes, make neurotransmitters, and support many other functions.

The capsule also contains inactive ingredients: HPMC, stearic acid, silica, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, and medium-chain triglyceride oil.

Does it work?

Strong evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Strong

Clinical evidence supports at least one of this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: support optimal methylation and healthy homocysteine levels.
  • We looked for evidence on: Hyperhomocysteinemia, Homocystinuria, Cardiovascular disease (CVD), Dyslipidemia, Atherosclerosis, Heart failure — and 3 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Betaine Anhydrous is rated "Effective" for Homocystinuria (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Vitamin B6 is rated "Likely Effective" for Hyperhomocysteinemia.
  • Also on file: Vitamin B12 is rated "Possibly Effective" for Hyperhomocysteinemia.

Vitamin B12 is effective for treating vitamin B12 deficiency and Imerslund-Grasbeck disease (a rare inherited disorder affecting B12 absorption), and is likely effective for cyanide poisoning. It is possibly effective for canker sores and nerve pain after shingles.

Vitamin B6 is effective for sideroblastic anemia (an unusual blood disorder) and vitamin B6 deficiency, and is likely effective for elevated homocysteine levels. It is possibly effective for pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting.

Calcium folinate is effective for kidney failure, indigestion, low blood calcium (hypocalcemia), high potassium levels (hyperkalemia), and likely effective for osteoporosis. Riboflavin has no effectiveness ratings in our data.

Betaine anhydrous is effective for homocystinuria (a rare genetic disorder causing high homocysteine) and possibly effective for elevated homocysteine. For nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH), colorectal adenoma, depression, and GERD, betaine's evidence is insufficient to establish how well it works.

We could not check Quatrefolic for effectiveness.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Riboflavin Calcium Vitamin B12 Vitamin B6 Betaine Anhydrous

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 5 of the 5 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 5 of 5.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 5 of 5.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Riboflavin is very well tolerated; excess is cleared in urine. The most common side effects are dose-related nausea and bright yellow urine — a harmless discoloration.

Rarely, diarrhea or increased urination may occur. Vitamin B12 is generally very safe with no established upper limit.

Rare allergic reactions like rash or hives are possible, and in rare cases correction of a specific type of anemia with B12 has been linked to severe low potassium (hypokalemia). Vitamin B6 is well tolerated below 100 mg daily; common side effects include stomach pain, allergic reactions, headache, heartburn, loss of appetite, nausea, and drowsiness.

High doses or long-term use can cause nerve damage (sensory neuropathy), especially with doses over 1,000 mg daily. Calcium folinate is well tolerated at recommended doses; common side effects are belching, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and stomach upset.

Rare concerns include kidney stones and a condition called calciphylaxis. Betaine anhydrous is generally well tolerated; common side effects include body odor, diarrhea, stomach distress, nausea, and vomiting.

Rarely, brain swelling (cerebral edema) has been reported.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Riboflavin Calcium Vitamin B12 Vitamin B6 Betaine Anhydrous

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 4 of the 5 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Calcium, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6, Riboflavin.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: heart-rhythm medications; lithium; Parkinson's medications.
  • For scale: 323 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before starting Methyl Shield, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take HIV integrase inhibitors (dolutegravir, elvitegravir, raltegravir), blood pressure medications, amiodarone, phenobarbital, phenytoin, levothyroxine, sotalol, diltiazem, calcipotriene, tetracycline antibiotics, levodopa, or metformin. These carry documented interactions that may change how your medication works or increase side effects.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with clinical evidence supporting its stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Methyl Shield is a B-vitamin and methylation support supplement that may help with deficiencies and certain metabolic conditions — especially if your doctor has identified a need for these nutrients. It carries serious Major-severity interactions with HIV medications and the antibiotic ceftriaxone, and Moderate interactions with blood pressure drugs, heart and seizure medications, and thyroid replacement.

If you take any prescription medication — particularly for HIV, heart rhythm, blood pressure, seizure control, or thyroid hormone — talk with your doctor or pharmacist before adding this product to make sure it's safe for your situation.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 5 of 6 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Aug 31, 2018.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Methyl Shield, straight from the product label.

Brand Natural Healthy Concepts
Barcode (UPC) 647732924565
Net contents 60 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 31, 2018
DSLD ID 179731
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Methyl Shield by Natural Healthy Concepts, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
647732924565
IngredientAmount% DV
Riboflavin25 mg147%
Folate2000 mcg500%
Vitamin B121000 mcg16667%
Vitamin B610 mg500%
Calcium Folinate1000 mg--
Betaine Anhydrous500 mg--
Quatrefolic [6S]-5-Methyltetrahydrofolic Acid1000 mg--

Other ingredients: HPMC, Stearic Acid, Silica, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Medium-Chain Triglyceride Oil

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Precautions

Professional use only

Consult your healthcare practitioner prior to use.

Individuals taking medication should discuss potential interactions with their healthcare practitioner.

Do not use if tamper seal is damaged.

Keep tightly closed in a cool, dry place out of reach of children.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Take one capsule one to two times daily, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

General Statements

Methyl Shield is a comprehensive formula designed to support optimal methylation and help maintain healthy homocysteine levels already within a normal range.

These 5 nutrients, provide in activated forms, support enhanced methylation and overall cardiovascular health.

Optimal methylation support formula

Manufactured in a GMP compliant facility.

This package is completely recyclable

Formula

It features the key nutrients that are involved in homocysteine metabolism: folate as calcium folate and quatrefolic for increased bioactivity; trimethylglycine; and vitamin B12, B6, and B2.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Storage

Storage: Keep tightly closed in a cool, dry place out of reach of children.

Formulation

Does Not Contain: Wheat, gluten, corn, yeast, soy, animal or dairy products, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, ingredients derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), artificial colors, artificial sweeteners, or artificial preservatives.

Seals/Symbols

Gluten free Dairy free Soy free Nut free

Vegetarian Caps

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Brand IP Statement(s)

Quatrefolic is a registered trademark of Gnosis S.p.A produced under US patent 7,947,662.

General

Rev. 031915 070724-01

See for yourself

Methyl Shield by Natural Healthy Concepts label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Methyl Shield by Natural Healthy Concepts

These are the 6 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Riboflavin

Interacts with
20 drugs
25 mg per serving Form: Riboflavin 5'-Phosphate Sodium

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is an essential nutrient your body needs to turn food into energy and to keep skin, eyes, and nerves healthy. It is generally...

Riboflavin monograph & interactions

Folate

2000 mcg per serving

Vitamin B12

Interacts with
20 drugs
1000 mcg per serving Form: Methylcobalamin

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is an essential nutrient your body needs to make red blood cells, keep nerves healthy, and support DNA. Supplements are very h...

Vitamin B12 monograph & interactions

Vitamin B6

Interacts with
210 drugs
10 mg per serving Form: Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is an essential water-soluble vitamin that your body needs for metabolism, brain function, and making red blood cells. It is b...

Vitamin B6 monograph & interactions

Betaine Anhydrous

No known
interactions
500 mg per serving Form: Trimethylglycine

Betaine anhydrous (also called trimethylglycine) is a compound found in foods like beets, spinach, and whole grains, and is sold as a supplement and a...

Betaine Anhydrous monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: HPMC, Stearic Acid, Silica, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Medium-Chain Triglyceride Oil. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Methyl Shield by Natural Healthy Concepts Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Methyl Shield?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
323Drugs
7 Major 289 Moderate 27 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Methyl Shield with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Vitamin B65 drug types · 210 drugs

Amiodarone (Cordarone)

Theoretically, vitamin B6 might increase the photosensitivity caused by amiodarone.
Despite initial case reports suggesting that pyridoxine may have a protective effect against amiodarone-induced photosensitivity, preliminary clinical research suggests that pyridoxine may actually exacerbate this adverse effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, vitamin B6 may have additive effects when used with antihypertensive drugs.
Research in hypertensive rats shows that vitamin B6 can decrease systolic blood pressure. Similarly, clinical research in patients with hypertension shows that taking high doses of vitamin B6 may reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure, possibly by reducing plasma levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Phenobarbital (Luminal)

High doses of vitamin B6 may reduce the levels and clinical effects of phenobarbital.
Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that vitamin B6 200 mg daily can reduce plasma levels of phenobarbital, possibly by increasing metabolism. It is not known whether lower doses have any effect. Advise people taking phenobarbital to avoid high doses of vitamin B6.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenytoin (Dilantin)

High doses of vitamin B6 may reduce the levels and clinical effects of phenytoin.
Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that vitamin B6 200 mg daily can reduce plasma levels of phenytoin, possibly by increasing metabolism. It is not known whether lower doses have any effect. Advise people taking phenytoin to avoid high doses of vitamin B6.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Levodopa

Vitamin B6 may increase the metabolism of levodopa when taken alone, but not when taken in conjunction with carbidopa.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) enhances the metabolism of levodopa, reducing its clinical effects. However, this interaction does not occur when carbidopa is used concurrently with levodopa (Sinemet). Therefore, it is not likely to be a problem in most people.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D

Calcium Folinate18 drug types · 168 drugs

Ceftriaxone (Rocephin)

Co-administration of intravenous calcium and ceftriaxone can result in precipitation of a ceftriaxone-calcium salt in the lungs and kidneys.
Avoid administering intravenous calcium in any form, such as parenteral nutrition or Lactated Ringers, within 48 hours of intravenous ceftriaxone. Case reports in neonates show that administering intravenous ceftriaxone and calcium can result in precipitation of a ceftriaxone-calcium salt in the lungs and kidneys. In several cases, neonates have died as a result of this interaction. So far there are no reports in adults; however, there is still concern that this interaction might occur in adults.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Dolutegravir (Tivicay)

Calcium seems to reduce levels of dolutegravir.
Advise patients to take dolutegravir either 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking calcium supplements. Pharmacokinetic research suggests that taking calcium carbonate 1200 mg concomitantly with dolutegravir 50 mg reduces plasma levels of dolutegravir by almost 40%. Calcium appears to decrease levels of dolutegravir through chelation.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Elvitegravir (Vitekta)

Calcium seems to reduce levels of elvitegravir.
Advise patients to take elvitegravir either 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking calcium supplements. Pharmacokinetic research suggests that taking calcium along with elvitegravir can reduce blood levels of elvitegravir through chelation.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Aluminum

Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity. Other types of calcium do not increase aluminum absorption.
Calcium citrate can increase the absorption of aluminum when taken with aluminum hydroxide. The increase in aluminum levels may become toxic, particularly in individuals with kidney disease. However, the effect of calcium citrate on aluminum absorption is due to the citrate anion rather than calcium cation. Calcium acetate does not appear to increase aluminum absorption.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (Biktarvy)

Calcium might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption when taken in a fasting state.
Advise patients that bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide and calcium can be taken together if taken with food. However, if taken on an empty stomach, bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide should not be taken with, or 2 hours after, calcium containing products.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Bisphosphonates

Calcium reduces the absorption of bisphosphonates.
Advise patients to take bisphosphonates at least 30 minutes before calcium, but preferably at a different time of day. Calcium supplements decrease absorption of bisphosphonates.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Calcipotriene (Dovonex)

Taking calcipotriene with calcium might increase the risk for hypercalcemia.
Calcipotriene is a vitamin D analog used topically for psoriasis. It can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to cause systemic effects, including hypercalcemia. Theoretically, combining calcipotriene with calcium supplements might increase the risk of hypercalcemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Using intravenous calcium with digoxin might increase the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
Hypercalcemia increases the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias with digoxin. However, one retrospective analysis of clinical data suggests that intravenous calcium does not increase the risk of dysrhythmias or mortality in patients receiving digoxin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Diltiazem (Cardizem, Others)

Theoretically, calcium may reduce the therapeutic effects of diltiazem.
Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Theoretically, calcium might increase this risk of hypercalcemia and reduce the effectiveness of diltiazem.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption and effectiveness of levothyroxine.
Advise patients to take levothyroxine and calcium supplements at least 4 hours apart. Calcium reduces levothyroxine absorption, probably by forming insoluble complexes. Calcium carbonate supplements reduce effectiveness of levothyroxine in patients with hypothyroidism.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Lithium

Theoretically, concomitant use of calcium and lithium may increase this risk of hypercalcemia.
Clinical research suggests that long-term use of lithium may cause hypercalcemia in 10% to 60% of patients. Theoretically, concomitant use of lithium and calcium supplements may further increase this risk.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Quinolone Antibiotics

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of quinolone antibiotics.
Advise patients to take oral quinolones at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium supplements or calcium-fortified foods. Taking calcium at the same time as oral quinolones can reduce quinolone absorption. Calcium binds to quinolones in the gut.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Raltegravir (Isentress)

Calcium may reduce levels of raltegravir.
Pharmacokinetic research shows that taking a single dose of calcium carbonate 3000 mg along with raltegravir 400 mg twice daily modestly decreases the mean area under the curve of raltegravir, but the decrease does not necessitate a dose adjustment of raltegravir. However, a case of elevated HIV-1 RNA levels and documented resistance to raltegravir has been reported for a patient taking calcium carbonate 1 gram three times daily plus vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) 400 IU three times daily in combination with raltegravir 400 mg twice daily for 11 months. It is thought that calcium reduced raltegravir levels by chelation, leading to treatment failure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Sotalol (Betapace)

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of sotalol.
Advise patients to separate doses by at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium. Calcium appears to reduce the absorption of sotalol, probably by forming insoluble complexes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics.
Advise patients to take oral tetracyclines at least 2 hours before, or 4-6 hours after calcium supplements. Taking calcium at the same time as oral tetracyclines can reduce tetracycline absorption. Calcium binds to tetracyclines in the gut.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Thiazide Diuretics

Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Thiazides reduce calcium excretion by the kidneys. Using thiazides along with moderately large amounts of calcium carbonate increases the risk of milk-alkali syndrome (hypercalcemia, metabolic alkalosis, renal failure). Patients may need to have their serum calcium levels and/or parathyroid function monitored regularly.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Verapamil (Calan, Others)

Theoretically, calcium may reduce the therapeutic effects of verapamil.
Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Theoretically, use of calcium supplements may increase this risk of hypercalcemia and reduce the effectiveness of verapamil.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Calcium Channel Blockers

Intravenous calcium may decrease the effects of calcium channel blockers; oral calcium is unlikely to have this effect.
Intravenous calcium is used to decrease the effects of calcium channel blockers in the management of overdose. Intravenous calcium gluconate has been used before intravenous verapamil (Isoptin) to prevent or reduce the hypotensive effects without affecting the antiarrhythmic effects. But there is no evidence that dietary or supplemental calcium when taken orally interacts with calcium channel blockers.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D

Riboflavin1 drug type · 20 drugs

Tetracycline Antibiotics

Theoretically, taking riboflavin with tetracycline antibiotics may decrease the potency of these antibiotics.
In vitro research suggests that riboflavin may inhibit the potency of tetracycline antibiotics. It is not clear if this effect is clinically significant, as this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Vitamin B121 drug type · 20 drugs

Metformin (Glucophage)

Metformin, a common medication used to manage type 2 diabetes, has been associated with lower vitamin B12 levels in some individuals. Prolonged use of metformin can interfere with the absorption of B12 in the digestive system, potentially leading to a deficiency in this essential vitamin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Methyl Shield, from the product label.

Natural Healthy Concepts

See all Natural Healthy Concepts products
Name
Natural Healthy Concepts
Street Address
310 N Westhill Blvd
City
Appleton
State
WI
ZipCode
54914
Phone Number
920-968-2360
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Methyl Shield by Natural Healthy Concepts: Common Questions

Does Methyl Shield by Natural Healthy Concepts interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Methyl Shield has a known interaction with 323 medications, including 7 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Methyl Shield contains 6 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take Methyl Shield if I'm pregnant?
Riboflavin and vitamin B12 are needed during pregnancy and considered safe at recommended amounts. Vitamin B6 is likely safe in pregnancy but possibly unsafe at some doses — talk with your provider about the right level for you. We don't have pregnancy safety data on file for betaine anhydrous or Quatrefolic, so check with your doctor before using this product.
Is it safe while breastfeeding?
Riboflavin and vitamin B12 are important during breastfeeding and safe at recommended amounts. Vitamin B6 is likely safe; normal amounts are fine, but ask your provider about higher doses. Safety data for betaine anhydrous while breastfeeding is limited, so discuss it with your healthcare provider.
What is calcium folinate and why is it in here?
Calcium folinate is a form of folate, a B vitamin your body uses for DNA repair, cell division, and methylation. It's included because it works alongside the other B vitamins in this product to support methylation pathways.
Will Methyl Shield give me side effects?
Most people tolerate these ingredients well at standard doses. The most common side effects are mild: nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea, and bright yellow urine from the riboflavin. High doses of vitamin B6 over time can cause nerve damage, and betaine may cause body odor or GI distress.
What is betaine anhydrous supposed to do?
Betaine anhydrous is effective for homocystinuria, a rare genetic condition causing very high homocysteine levels, and possibly effective for elevated homocysteine in general. For fatty liver disease, depression, and acid reflux, the evidence is not yet strong enough to say how well it works.
Can I take this with my metformin?
Metformin can lower vitamin B12 levels over time, so taking B12 (which is in this product) may help offset that. However, discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure the dose and timing are right for your specific situation — they know your full picture.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Methyl Shield is safe with your meds?

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Methyl Shield label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Methyl Shield’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Methyl Shield's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 140 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Riboflavin 5 references
  1. Schoenen J, Jacquy J, Lenaerts M. Effectiveness of high-dose riboflavin in migraine prophylaxis. A randomized controlled trial. Neurology 1998;50:466-70. PubMed
  2. Yates AA, Schlicker SA, Suitor CW. Dietary reference intakes: The new basis for recommendations for calcium and related nutrients, B vitamins, and choline. J Am Diet Assoc 1998;98:699-706. PubMed
  3. Leeson LJ, Weidenheimer JF. Stability of tetracycline and riboflavin. J Pharm Sci. 1969;58(3):355-7. PubMed
  4. MacLennan, S. C., Wade, F. M., Forrest, K. M., Ratanayake, P. D., Fagan, E., and Antony, J. High-dose riboflavin for migraine prophylaxis in children: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. J Child Neurol. 2008;23(11):1300-1304.
  5. Dietary reference intakes (DRIs): estimated average requirements. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine, National Academics. https://www.nal.usda.gov/sites/default/files/fnic_uploads//recommended_intakes_individuals.pdf Accessed July 24, 2017.

See these in context on the Riboflavin monograph →

Vitamin B12 30 references
  1. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline (2000). Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2000. Available at: http://b
  2. Hartman TJ, Woodson K, Stolzenberg-Solomon R, et al. Association of the B-vitamins pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (B6), B12, and folate with lung cancer risk in older men. Am J Epidemiol 2001;153:688-94.. DOI
  3. Jansen T, Romiti R, Kreuter A, Altmeyer P. Rosacea fulminans triggered by high-dose vitamins B6 and B12. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2001;15:484-5..
  4. Lange H, Suryapranata H, De Luca G, et al. Folate therapy and in-stent restenosis after coronary stenting. N Engl J Med 2004;350:2673-81. PubMed
  5. Collin, S. M., Metcalfe, C., Refsum, H., Lewis, S. J., Zuccolo, L., Smith, G. D., Chen, L., Harris, R., Davis, M., Marsden, G., Johnston, C., Lane, J. A., Ebbing, M., Bonaa, K. H., Nygard, O., Ueland, P. M., Grau, M. V., Baron, J. A., Donovan, J. L., Nea
  6. Geissbuhler, P., Mermillod, B., and Rapin, C. H. Elevated serum vitamin B12 levels associated with CRP as a predictive factor of mortality in palliative care cancer patients: a prospective study over five years. J.Pain Symptom.Manage. 2000;20(2):93-103. PubMed
  7. Salles, N., Herrmann, F., Sakbani, K., Rapin, C. H., and Sieber, C. High vitamin B12 level: a strong predictor of mortality in elderly inpatients. J Am Geriatr.Soc 2005;53(5):917-918.
  8. Looker, H. C., Fagot-Campagna, A., Gunter, E. W., Pfeiffer, C. M., Sievers, M. L., Bennett, P. H., Nelson, R. G., Hanson, R. L., and Knowler, W. C. Homocysteine and vitamin B(12) concentrations and mortality rates in type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Metab Res R
  9. Uhl, W., Nolting, A., Golor, G., Rost, K. L., and Kovar, A. Safety of hydroxocobalamin in healthy volunteers in a randomized, placebo-controlled study. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2006;44 Suppl 1:17-28. PubMed
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Vitamin B6 32 references
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Betaine Anhydrous 11 references
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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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