Hi, Rachel.
There are several brands of methylfolate that are fine. They include Metafolin, FolaPro, MethylMate B, and Quatrefolic.
Methylfolate is a form of folate. As far as supplements are concerned, there are three available folate supplements:
methylfolate. folinic acid, and folic acid. I don't recommend using folic acid, because some people cannot convert it to the active forms of folate very well. Also, it competes with the active forms for transport. And finally, it may have some negative effects, though there is not a scientific consensus on this.
As far as safety is concerned, I recommend that a person work with their physician while on a methylation-type protocol.
There are some possible adverse effects, especially in cases in which a person has certain comorbidities (other disorders in addition to ME/CFS). I prefer starting at low dosages and working up as tolerated. The protocol I have suggested is pasted below. Freddd's approach has been somewhat different, and you can consult his posts in the methylation section of these forums to see what he recommends, which has changed over time.
Restoring the methylation cycle restores the rest of the sulfur metabolism, also, and that improves the function of the detoxication system. If the body burdens of heavy metals are not too high, the methylation cycle can be restored, and that will help to detox the heavy metals. If the body burdens are too high, the heavy metals can block the enzymes in the methylation cycle and related pathways. In that case, chelation of the heavy metals must be done before the methylation cycle function can be restored.
The length of time required varies with the case, but it usually takes at least a few months to bring up the methylation cycle and glutathione.
If you would like to find out more details, you might consider watching the video or looking at the slides at this website:
http://iaomt.media.fnf.nu/2/skovde_2011_me_kroniskt_trotthetssyndrom/${weburl}
You can get the slides by clicking on the blue type below the video. The video and slides are in English.
Best regards,
Rich