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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
While the recommended daily amount of vitamin B-12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms, higher doses have been found to be safe. Your body absorbs only as much as it needs, and any excess passes through your urine. High doses of vitamin B-12, such as those used to treat a deficiency, might cause: Headache.
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that must be ingested daily because our bodies don't naturally produce it. B12 is important for many enzymatic processes, such as helping turn the food you eat into usable energy. The recommended daily amount for B12 is 2.4 mcg for adults.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Dosing. The Dietary Reference Intake (DRI, also known as Recommended Daily Allowance [RDA]) for vitamin B12 is 2.4 mcg/day.
Despite the numerous processes in which vitamin B12 is involved, there's little evidence to suggest that it has any influence on weight gain or loss.
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.
Takahashi K, et al. [3] describes a controlled study involving 45 DSPS patients and 6 N24 (non‐24-hour sleep-wake syndrome) patients and concludes that 6 mg MB12 leads to a significant improvement of the sleep-wake rhythm parameters at the end of the 4th week, but not at the end of the 8th week of administration.
Monitoring your condition
A blood test is often carried out around 10 to 14 days after starting treatment to assess whether treatment is working. This is to check your haemoglobin level and the number of the immature red blood cells (reticulocytes) in your blood.
extreme tiredness (fatigue) lack of energy (lethargy) breathlessness. feeling faint.
Diet. Some people can develop a vitamin B12 deficiency as a result of not getting enough vitamin B12 from their diet. A diet that includes meat, fish and dairy products usually provides enough vitamin B12, but people who do not regularly eat these foods can become deficient.
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.
Recommended Vitamin B12 Dosage for Seniors
A recent study found that for seniors, a daily dose of 500 micrograms was efficient in reversing the signs of B12 deficiency. In general, experts recommend 2.5 micrograms of vitamin B12 per day for people over the age of 14.
Bananas also contain fibre and potassium. It helps manage blood pressure, reduce stress, and relieve constipation and ulcer problems. The fruit also helps regulate body temperature. Another fruit that is rich in vitamin B12 is blueberries.