What’s the Most Absorbable Form of B12?

What’s the Most Absorbable Form of B12?

For most people, getting enough vitamin B12 isn’t an issue. Processed foods are often fortified with cyanocobalamin, a synthetic form of the nutrient. Still, many people are deficient in this vitamin because cyanocobalamin–and many other forms of B12, for that matter–is not highly absorbable. Veganism http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=31926, age, gastric surgery, gastrointestinal disorders, and pernicious anemiahttp://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/vv/vitamin_deficiency_anemia/vitamindeficiencyanemia_1.php are all factors that can reduce B12 absorption. In most cases, a B12 supplement is needed to replenish stores. The two most popular B12 supplements are cyanocobalamin and methylcobalamin. Which one should you choose? Here are some facts to help you decide.



What is B12?

Vitamin B12 is essential for DNA synthesis, brain and nervous system function, and red blood cell formation. It’s also essential for heart healthhttp://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=106&t=32685 as it aids in the breakdown of homocysteine, an amino acid associated with cardiovascular disease. Although required for proper metabolic function, the human body does not create this vitamin and must obtain it through dietary sources. The most common sources include fish, liver, beef, eggs, cheese, and poultry.

Vitamin B12 Metabolic Pathway

Similar to other nutrients, B12 cannot survive stomach acid. Vitamin B12 in particular requires intrinsic factor http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=33796, a glycoprotein produced by the parietal cells of the stomach and salivary glands. Intrinsic factor allows B12 to pass through the stomach and into the small intestine. Once there, intrinsic factor is dissolved and B12 binds with another protein, transcobalamin II, for transit into the blood. [1]



Why is Methylcobalamin Absorbed the Best?

Methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin are the two natural, active forms of vitamin B12. Methylcobalamin specifically absorbs easily since it is the principal circulating form of B12. As the circulating form, it can cross into the bloodstream sublingually; however, only about 1% of the ingested dose is absorbed. Methylcobalamin is the most bioavailable form, as this form requires little to no conversion and crosses easily through every aspect of B12’s metabolic pathway.

Does Methylcobalamin Promote Better Health?

Methylcobalamin does not require a methyl group from the body for absorption, saving metabolic energy and cellular resources. The body uses methyl groups to stabilize free radicals and remove toxins, so it is crucial that we’re doing all we can to reserve these groups. Methylation also plays a role in protecting the brain. Methyl groups reduce the impact of dietary glutamate, a non-essential protein known to cause neural damage. So, using methylcobalamin allows the body to retain its ever-so-important methyl groups for toxin removal and health support.

Added Benefits

Researchers have identified methylcobalamin as the preferred form of B12 supplementation http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=32684 for patients with impaired kidney function, [2] and according to a double-blind study, methylcobalamin also aids in relieving sleep disorders. [3]

One Final Thought

Vitamin B12 is essential for life. For anyone who needs to supplement with B12, methylcobalamin offers a highly-efficient option. The fact that it adds methyl groups and encourages proper methylation may be ideal for many who may already be suffering from symptoms of B12 deficiency http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=33584. The European Food Safety Authority reports that the combination of methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin is the best and safest representation of naturally occurring vitamin B-12. Consider taking a supplement like VeganSafe™ B-12 http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=33585 (which has 80% methylcobalamin and 20% adenosylcobalamin). Have you used methylcobalamin or adenosylcobalamin? Please share how it has affected your life.



GHC youtube Video
Watch an In-Depth Video on
Everything You Need to Know About Vitamin B-12
Video Length: 60 minutes
https://youtu.be/C4CuwUV0k20

by Dr. Edward Group DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM



References:

1. Quadros EV. Advances in the understanding of cobalamin assimilation and metabolism http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19832808. Br J Haematol. 2010 Jan;148(2):195-204. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2009.07937.x.

2. Spence JD. B vitamin therapy for homocysteine: renal function and vitamin B12 determine cardiovascular outcomes http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23449527. Clin Chem Lab Med. 2013 Mar 1;51(3):633-7. doi: 10.1515/cclm-2012-0465.

3. Takahashi K1, Okawa M, Matsumoto M, et al. Double-blind test on the efficacy of methylcobalamin on sleep-wake rhythm disordershttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10459691. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 1999 Apr;53(2):211-3.

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7 Health Dangers of B12 Deficiency

7 Health Dangers of B12 Deficiency

There are a great number of people out there who rely on vitamin B12 supplements as a natural way to help ease stress and boost their energy levels. While the vitamin’s ability to enhance mental performance is relatively well known, research suggests that the effects of B12 deficiency may be more serious than a simple lack of energy. Let’s take a look at seven of them.



1. Cognitive Impairment

In the elderly, B12 deficiency has been linked to cognitive impairment and dementia. This deficiency has also been linked to other neurodegenerative disorders such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. [1]

2. Psychosis

Depressed mood, hallucinations, seizures and hypertension have been found in subjects who tested positive only for low B12 levels. Administration of B12 has been found to result in quick recovery (less than a week). [2] In one case, a middle-aged man diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder and low B12 levels found relief through the use of methylcobalamin (B12). [3]



3. Melancholic Depression

Individuals suffering from melancholic depression (caused by physical rather than psychological factors) have consistently displayed an inverse relationship between B12 levels and depression. [4]

4. Stroke

Increases in homocysteine levels resulting from adequate B12 have linked a B12 deficiency to stroke. One reported case involved an older male suffering from recurring strokes along with reduction in blood cells from an intestinal inability to absorb B12. This resulted in abnormally high levels of homocysteine in the blood — a likely contributor to stroke and blood clots. [5]

5. Alzheimer’s Disease

While studies continue into the mechanism’s causing Alzheimer’s disease, a recently published study demonstrated a treatment of folic acid, B6 and B12 as a significant improvement in the reduction of cerebral atrophy. [6]

6. Cardiovascular Disease

Without B12 the body cannot convert homocysteine. This leads to a build-up of homocysteine levels which have been associated with atherosclerosis and increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. [7]

7. Anemia

This disorder hinders the body from producing red blood cells and can develop into fever. Researchers have noted that administration of a B12 intramuscular injection alleviates indications of anemia. [8]



Make Sure You Get Your B12

Vitamin B12’s overall value to the human body cannot be stressed enough. In addition to reduced brain mass, long term B12 deficiency has been shown to readily contribute to impaired DNA synthesis and replication inside the body, as well as nerve damage, memory loss, and other cognitive issues. In some cases, it has also been associated with mania and various forms of temporary psychosis. These are big problems and can be avoided by simply keeping your vitamin intake regular and in check. Read more