Vitamin B12 as methylcobalamin or cyanocobalamin?

Vitamin B12 is an essential water-soluble vitamin, also known as cobalamin, involved in red blood cell production, brain health and DNA synthesis.

A deficiency in this essential vitamin can cause:

• fatigue
• disorders in the nervous system
• digestive problems
• depression
• memory loss

It is one of the most common vitamin deficiencies, so to meet daily needs and prevent deficiency, vitamin B12 supplements are necessary.

Synthetic or natural vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 supplements come in two primary forms: cyanocobalamin and methylcobalamin. Cyanocobalamin is a form of vitamin B12, only found in supplements, while methylcobalamin is a naturally active form that can obtain from either food or supplements.

Cyanocobalamin, as the synthetic form of vitamin B12, is not found in nature. It is more commonly used in supplements because of its low cost compared to other forms of vitamin B12.

Unlike cyanocobalamin, methylcobalamin is the naturally active form of vitamin B12 obtained through dietary supplements and foods such as fish, meat, eggs and milk.

What is the main difference between methylcobalamin and cyanocobalamin?

Methylcobalamin has a methyl group (only carbon and hydrogen), while cyanocobalamin contains a cyanide molecule. Although the amount of cyanide in a regular B12 supplement is too small to be harmful, the body should eliminate this compound.

Both are almost identical, and while they contain a cobalt ion, each has a different molecule attached to the cobalt ion. While methylcobalamin contains a methyl group, cyanocobalamin contains a cyanide molecule.

What Makes Methylcobalamin the Best Dietary Supplement?

Methylcobalamin is the most active bioavailable form of vitamin B12, i.e. the most easily absorbed. Research has shown that it can remain in the body for a more extended time and at higher levels compared to cyanocobalamin.

So vitamin B12 is retained in the body longer in the form of methylcobalamin than in cyanocobalamin. Methylcobalamin is involved in many body functions and is an essential vitamin for healthy nervous system function and a necessary nutrient for vision.

Research has shown that methylcobalamin significantly improves visual adaptation, while cyanocobalamin appears ineffective. Visual adaptation is the ability to immediately shift your focus from something close to something further away. It can often be affected by other factors, such as long hours of computer screen use.

Τhe Bottom Line

If you have vitamin B12 deficiency, first consult your doctor. Alternatively, naturally supplement your diet with vitamin B12 in the active form of methylcobalamin, with the dietary supplement B12 Active & Alfa Alfa and alfalfa leaf powder.

Alfalfa is a superfood abundant in vitamins, minerals and chlorophyll. Its name, "alfalfa", comes from Arabic and means "Father of all foods".