Which B12 is best?

Methylcobalamin. 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.

Are all B12 vitamins the same?

Vitamin B12 supplements are typically derived from two sources: cyanocobalamin or methylcobalamin. Both are nearly identical and contain a cobalt ion surrounded by a corrin ring. However, each have a different molecule attached to the cobalt ion.

Which B12 MCG is best?

Optimal dosing of vitamin B12 varies by age, lifestyle, and dietary needs. The general recommendation for adults is 2.4 mcg. Older adults, as well as people who are pregnant and breastfeeding, require higher doses.

What is the difference between B12 and cyanocobalamin?

While methylcobalamin contains a methyl group, cyanocobalamin contains a cyanide molecule. Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic form of vitamin B12 that's not found in nature. It's used more frequently in supplements, as it's considered more stable and cost effective than other forms of vitamin B12.

The Best Type of Vitamin B12: Cyanocobalamin or Methylcobalamin?

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.

Who should not take cyanocobalamin?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to cobalt or if you have Leber's disease. Cyanocobalamin can lead to optic nerve damage (and possibly blindness) in people with Leber's disease.

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.

What strength B12 should I take?

The usual dose for: diet-related deficiency is 50 micrograms to 150 micrograms, taken once a day. B12 deficiency not caused by your diet is one to two 1,000 microgram tablets, taken once or twice a day – this is usually if you cannot have vitamin B12 injections.

Is 1000 mcg B12 too much daily?

There is no risk of an overdose when taking large amounts of vitamin B-12 such as 1000 mcg, because it is a water-soluble vitamin. Meaning the body will use the amount that it needs then the excess will be excreted through urine.

What is B12 not good for?

However, supplementing with excessively high levels of B12 has been linked to some negative side effects. Several studies have shown that megadoses of the vitamin can lead to outbreaks of acne and rosacea, a skin condition that causes redness and pus-filled bumps on the face.

Can you take both methylcobalamin and cyanocobalamin?

Interactions between your drugs. No interactions were found between cyanocobalamin / methylcobalamin and Vitamin B12.

How do you know if your body needs vitamin B12?

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.

What are the side effects of methylcobalamin?

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.

Is it OK to take 5000 mcg B12 daily?

Is 5000 mcg of B12 too much? A dosage of 5000 mcg of Vitamin B12 has been deemed a safe dosing amount. In fact, it is often recommended for those who have a health condition that affects their B12 absorption.

What happens if your B12 is too high?

In some people, high levels of B12 may cause gastrointestinal problems such as bloating and diarrhea. And if you have high blood pressure or poor cardiovascular health, having too much B12 may further complicate these issues. Pregnant and breastfeeding women may also need to be especially mindful of B12 levels.

How long does it take for B12 vitamins to start working?

How Long Does It Take for Vitamin B12 to Work? It can take 3-4 weeks to start feeling better after taking vitamin B12 consistently. However, it can take six months or more to recover from a severe B12 deficiency. One of the most common reasons people take B12 is to boost their energy levels.

How much B12 should a woman take daily?

Most women get the recommended daily amount — 2.4 micrograms (mcg) for most adults, 2.6 mcg for pregnant women, and 2.8 mcg for women who are breastfeeding — in their diets.

How often should you take vitamin B12 1000 mcg?

What does the latest research on B12 say? * Based on the new labeling that started January 1, 2020, the target is 4.5 mcg three times a day. If you're over 65 years of age, you should take at least 1,000 mcg (µg) cyanocobalamin every day.

Which vitamins should not be taken together?

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 ).

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.

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.