Health Benefits of Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient primarily found in animal-based foods. It plays a crucial role in protecting nerve and brain cells from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, B12 has been shown to alleviate discomfort associated with neuropathy. This vitamin is vital for the creation of healthy DNA and RNA, the genetic material in our bodies. It also collaborates with other B vitamins to form red blood cells, support the immune system, enhance mood, protect the cardiovascular system, and maintain overall energy levels.
Natural sources of B12 are exclusively animal foods, which often come with a significant toxic burden. Therefore, many people are advised to use vegan B12 supplements. While vegetarians can obtain B12 from dairy products, vegans must supplement to avoid deficiency. Early signs of B12 deficiency include fatigue, digestive issues, nausea, and loss of menstruation. More severe symptoms can include nerve pain, mental health disorders, infertility, impaired immune function, and anemia.
What Are the 4 Types of B12?
Understanding the importance of adequate B12 intake is crucial, as up to 40 percent of the US population may suffer from some form of B12 deficiency. Knowing the four different types of B12 can help you choose the right one for your needs.
Methylcobalamin
Methylcobalamin is the most active form of B12 in the human body. It helps convert homocysteine into methionine, which protects the cardiovascular system. This form also offers overall protection to the nervous system and can cross the blood-brain barrier to protect brain cells. It provides essential methyl groups needed for detoxification and initiating biochemical reactions in the body.
Cyanocobalamin
Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic version of B12 created in a lab, making it the cheapest supplement option. It is the most stable form of B12, but it contains a cyanide molecule. Although the cyanide amount is not harmful, the body must expend energy to convert and remove it.
Hydroxocobalamin
This form of B12 is naturally produced by bacteria and is the main type found in most foods. It easily converts into methylcobalamin in the body. Hydroxocobalamin is commonly used via injection to treat B12 deficiency and cyanide poisoning.
Adenosylcobalamin
Adenosylcobalamin is essential for energy production during the Citric Acid Cycle. Although it occurs naturally, it is the least stable of the four types outside the human body and is not suitable for tablet-based supplements. It can be challenging to find this form in supplements, although some have managed to create a stable version of the molecule.
B-12 Absorption Rates Differ by B12 Type
It’s estimated that at least 40 percent of Americans have trouble absorbing B12. Unlike most other vitamins, B12 absorption heavily relies on digestive health. The stomach produces a protein called intrinsic factor, which is crucial for B12 absorption. A lack of intrinsic factor is the most common reason for B12 absorption issues.
Several factors can lead to insufficient intrinsic factor, including surgery, gastritis, food preservatives like MSG, mercury exposure, intestinal ailments like leaky gut, gluten sensitivity, pernicious anemia, and weak stomach acid. Sometimes, the body simply doesn’t produce enough intrinsic factor. Without it, absorbing the necessary B12 becomes difficult, increasing the risk of deficiency.
Due to potential absorption issues, it’s important to take the most absorbable types of B12.
Points to Remember
When supplementing with vitamin B12, methylcobalamin is the best option. Like hydroxocobalamin and adenosylcobalamin, it contains molecules the body can use, unlike cyanocobalamin, which requires the liver to dispose of the cyanide molecule. Methylcobalamin is ideal for those seeking a natural energy boost.
If you’re looking for a more advanced formula, our organic Vitamin B12 contains methylcobalamin, adenosylcobalamin, and hydroxocobalamin, plus Energized Trace Minerals for enhanced bioavailability. This formula is excellent for athletes and individuals needing advanced nutritional support or detoxification.
