Vitamin B12 Supplements

Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that the body usually derives from natural sources like fish, meat, eggs and milk.  Vitamin B12 deficiency is common especially in the elderly and supplementation is needed to overcome this. Vitamin B12 supplementation is also important for those who have adapted the vegan diet. As a result, almost all brands and companies marketing dietary supplements offer Vitamin B12 supplements as a part of its product range.  The most common Vitamin B12 supplement is Methylcobalamin and Cyanocobalamin.

Vitamin B12 is associated in the production of red blood cells, DNA synthesis and brain health.  Some of the symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency are fatigue, depression and memory loss.  Methylcobalamin or Vitamin B12 supplementation has a lot of health benefits. These include reducing nerve damage due to complication associated with Diabetes.

The two common sources for Vitamin B12 supplements are cyanocobalamin and methylcobalamin. The essential difference is that methylcobalamin has a methyl group in its structure whereas cyanocobalamin has a cyanide molecule.

Methylcobalamin is a cobalamin which is a naturally occurring form of Vitamin B12. A person can get Methylcobalamin through either food sources or supplements. Methylcobalamin is bioavailable and is active immediately after absorption by the human body.

Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic form of vitamin B12 only found and used in supplements.  This is chemically synthesized and cannot be found in plants or animal tissues. It is a more cost effective option of Vitamin B12 and is considered more stable. It is converted to either methylcobalamin or adenosylcobalamin after being absorbed by the body. It is common knowledge that cyanide as a poisonous substance. The amount of cyanide in a normal B12 supplement is small and insignificant from toxicology point of view. The body will still need to remove and eliminate this compound. This removal is accomplished through the body’s detoxification systems with substances like glutathione which is important for the elimination of the cyanide.

Though animal sources are commonly mentioned as food sources of Vitamin B12, it is usually made from bacterial fermentation. Methylcobalamin supplements made from bacterial sources of B12 are a more effective and direct source of B12. This form of B12 is called a coenzyme form of B12 and is believed to be a much more active form of the vitamin. A coenzyme form of the vitamin means the vitamin is ready to be processed and absorbed by the body with need for additional carriers.

Both cyanocobalamin and methylcobalamin can be taken orally in the form of tablets, capsules, lozenges, liquid drops though injections and nasal spray forms are also available.

Examples of inactive ingredients that can be added in the formulation are microcrystalline cellulose, sodium stearyl fumarate, xylitol.

The USA Reference Daily Intake (RDA) level minimum for Vitamin B12 is 2.4 mcg per day for adults, and 2.8 mcg for pregnant or nursing women. It has been suggested that Vitamin b12 supplements be taken during mornings or early afternoon as these supplements stimulate energy and the nervous system. The Vitamin B12 or Methylcobalamin supplements can be taken as one large weekly dose or in frequent smaller doses. The human body can only absorb and utlilize a part of the Methylcobalamin supplement that has been ingested. It is generally said that supplementation between 1000-2000 mcg daily is usually adequate. Cyanocobalamin and Methylcobalamin are considered to be exceptionally safe and can be used by all blood types. The human body flushes out any excess Vitamin B12 through urine so there is less or no possibility of overdosing.

A&A Pharmachem offers Cyanocobalamin and Methylcobalamin B12 in bulk volumes to contract manufacturers and brand owners. Please contact us now for a quote!