What form of vitamin B12 is best?

Methylcobalamin is the most bio-available type of Vitamin B12 which means the body absorbs it more easily. Naturally occurring, it is found in animal-based foods such as meat, fish, milk and eggs so Methylcobalamin B12 is readily available in many people's daily diets.

Which B12 is better methylcobalamin or cyanocobalamin?

People sometimes ask which of the two supplements is better – the artificial (cyanocobalamin) or naturally occurring (methylcobalamin). Studies have shown that cyanocobalamin is known to absorb slightly better within the body while methylcobalamin is considered to retain better and for longer.

What is the safest form of B12?

Methylcobalamin: This is the most natural form of B12 and needs no converting . It is already in its “ready to use” form and is a more expensive form. Methylcobalamin is the active coenzyme form necessary for any biological activity.

Which is better absorbed methylcobalamin or cyanocobalamin?

Research shows that cyanocobalamin may be absorbed better in your body, while methylcobalamin likely has a higher retention rate. Other studies have found that the differences in absorption and retention are minimal.

Who should not take methylcobalamin?

You should not use methylcobalamin if you are allergic to vitamin B12 or cobalt. Tell your doctor if you have ever had: Leber's disease or other form of optic nerve damage; an iron or folic acid deficiency; or.

The Best Type of Vitamin B12: Cyanocobalamin or Methylcobalamin?

Why is methylcobalamin better?

Research has shown that methylcobalamin is more efficiently used and retained in the body than the cyanocobalamin form. Because of its role in the production of cellular energy, vitamin B₁₂ deficiency is often characterized by fatigue and weakness.

Are there any negative effects of taking B12?

High doses of vitamin B-12, such as those used to treat a deficiency, might cause: Headache. Nausea and vomiting. Diarrhea.

How is vitamin B12 best absorbed?

In the stomach, hydrochloric acid and enzymes unbind vitamin B12 into its free form. From there, vitamin B12 combines with a protein called intrinsic factor so that it can be absorbed further down in the small intestine. Supplements and fortified foods contain B12 in its free form, so they may be more easily absorbed.

Is cyanocobalamin B12 toxic?

Answer: The most common form of vitamin B-12 (cobalamin) in supplements is cyanocobalamin and although this form includes a cyanide molecule, it is very safe. Why? Even at a very high dose, it would provide about a thousand times less cyanide than is toxic, and the cyanide is excreted in the urine.

What are the side effects of methylcobalamin?

What is the best mg of B12 to take?

The recommended daily amount for B12 is 2.4 mcg for adults. Pregnant and lactating women need higher amounts [1]. There is no upper intake limit for vitamin B12 because there is no known toxicity [2]. Most vitamin B12 supplements provide a range of strengths between 500 to 5,000 mcg [2].

Is methylcobalamin natural or synthetic?

There are two forms of vitamin B12 that you're likely to come across – methylcobalamin and cyanocobalamin. Cyanocobalamin is the most commonly supplemented form of vitamin B12 and is chemically synthesised. Methylcobalamin is found in animal-based foods and is therefore obviously naturally occuring.

What's wrong with cyanocobalamin?

Cyanocobalamin may cause low potassium levels in the blood (hypokalemia). Tell your doctor if you have unlikely but serious side effects of Cyanocobalamin including: muscle cramps, or.

What does cyanocobalamin do to the brain?

May benefit your brain by preventing the loss of neurons

The vitamin may play a role in preventing brain atrophy, which is the loss of neurons in the brain and often associated with memory loss or dementia ( 26 ).

Does cyanocobalamin affect the liver?

Concentrations of cyanocobalamin (vitamin B₁₂) in serum have been found to be elevated in acute^1-4 and chronic^2,5,6 liver disease associated with hepatocellular damage.

What are the symptoms of lacking B12?

Does caffeine deplete B12?

Furthermore, caffeine interferes with the metabolism of certain B vitamins, including thiamine. However, because caffeine increases stomach acid secretion, it actually boosts the absorption of vitamin B12.

Is it OK to take 1000 mcg B12 daily?

If you are low in vitamin B12, a common recommended dose for oral supplements is about 1,000 mcg daily. But you should make sure to ask your healthcare provider about how much vitamin B12 you should look for in a supplement.

Who should not take B12 supplements?

What medications should not be taken with B12?

As summarized in the table provided, vitamin B12 (cobalamin) absorption and utilization by the body can be compromised with the chronic use of certain medications which include: colchicine, chloramphenicol, ethanol, histamine 2 receptor antagonists (H2RA), metformin, and proton pump inhibitors (PPI).

Is 1000 mcg methylcobalamin too much?

A dose of 1,000 mcg or more is considered a high dose of vitamin B12, which is about 400% of the daily requirement of 2.4 mcg.

How much B12 methylcobalamin should I take daily?

Dosing. The Dietary Reference Intake (DRI, also known as Recommended Daily Allowance [RDA]) for vitamin B₁₂ is 2.4 mcg/day.

How long does it take for B12 methylcobalamin to work?

B12 injections work quickly; they are the most effective way for your body to absorb Vitamin B12. Within 48 to 72 hours, your body will begin to make new red blood cells.

Does cyanocobalamin turn into cyanide?

Cyanocobalamin is broken down into cobalamin and cyanide. Yes, you read that correctly. That is the same deadly cyanide stuff that we have heard about. Researchers have suggested that there could be a buildup of cyanide in the tissues, especially in smokers from people using the cyanocobalamin form of B12.