New Dr. Group Post! - What’s the Most Absorbable Form of B12? |  |
| What’s the Most Absorbable Form of B12? Posted: 20 Nov 2014 07:00 AM PST  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, age, gastric surgery, gastrointestinal disorders, and pernicious anemia 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 health 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 PathwaySimilar to other nutrients, B12 cannot survive stomach acid. Vitamin B12 in particular requires intrinsic factor, 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 BenefitsResearchers have identified methylcobalamin as the preferred form of B12 supplementation for patients with impaired kidney function, [2] and according to a double-blind study, methylcobalamin also aids in relieving sleep disorders. [3] One Final ThoughtVitamin 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. Have you used methylcobalamin? Please share how it has affected your life. -Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM References:
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