​B2 is essential to many enzymatic reactions that take place in the mitochondria Vitamin B and B12 InjectionVitamin B12 is an essential nutrient for the body, and is needed to protect DNA and RNA, support energy, protect nerve and brain cells, stimulate serotonin production, contribute to red blood cell formation, support immune function, and maintain a positive mood. The daily recommended intake for Vitamin B12 is 1.5mcg - 2.0mcg/day. However B12 supplements can containing as much as 1000mcg without toxic effect. As it’s a water-soluble vitamin, any excess that isn’t used should be flushed from the body and not pose too much risk (not the case with fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A). The Institute of Medicine reports that “no adverse effects have been associated with excess vitamin B12 intake from food and supplements in healthy individuals.” (9) The best way to get enough vitamin B12 is through a healthy diet whenever possible, such as from consuming grass-fed beef, poultry or wild-caught fish. Animals store vitamin B12 in liver and muscle and some pass the vitamin into their eggs and milk; meat, liver, eggs and milk. The bioavailability from eggs is less than 9%, compared to 40% to 60% from fish, fowl and meat. Sources with a significant content of vitamin B12 (range among top 20 sources of 50 to 99 µg per 100 grams)30 include clams, organ meats (especially liver) from lamb, veal, beef, and turkey, fish eggs, mackerel, and crab meat.23 The foods highest in vitamin B12 are: Organ meats, such as beef and chicken liver; Wild-caught fish, including salmon, herring, mackerel, tuna, trout and sardines (also great sources of other vital nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids); Organic dairy products, including probiotic-rich yogurt or raw milk; Pasture-raised poultry, including turkey or chicken; Grass-fed beef and lamb; Clams have the highest ammount. Why might you be low in vitamin B12, even if you eat a relatively healthy diet? One reason is being low in a type of compound produced within the stomach called intrinsic factor (a type of glycoprotein), which combines with vitamin B12 once consumed in order to allow it to be absorbed. Research shows that around 50 percent to 60 percent of ingested vitamin B12 is usually absorbed when enough intrinsic factor is present in relation to B12, but absorption decreases drastically when this ratio changes. Older people usually produce less stomach acid and therefore less intrinsic factor, increasing their risk for deficiency. People who take medications regularly that decrease stomach acid production can also become deficient in vitamin B12 for this reason, whether they consume enough from their diets or not. Celery While acid is necessary to recover naturally-occurring vitamin B12 from foods it is not necessary for the absorption of free B12 (not bound to protein), so B12 may be taken in supplement form. Utilization of vitamin B12 (especially from supplements) depends on levels of other metabolic cofactors and acids. Only about 10 mcg of a 500 mcg oral supplement is typically absorbed in healthy people (due to limitations of stomach acid and intrinsic factor). Supplementation There are four forms of vitamin B12 (differentiated by the enzymatically active cofactor or side group attached to the cobalamin molecule): Adenosylcobalamin (AdoCbl); Cyanocobalamin (CNCbl); Hydroxocobalamin (HOCbl); Methylcobalamin (MeCbl) Adenosylcobalamin and methylcobalamin are the two forms of B12 that naturally occur in the body (most of the body's reserves are stored as adoB12 in the liver). The body requires each of them for different reactions.These are converted to the other methylcobalamin form as needed. The two most common forms of vitamin B12 supplements are methylcobalamin and cyanocobalamin. It is unclear which is superior. Some claim that Cyanocobalamin (the most commonly supplemented form of vitamin B12) is inferior, but is so prevalent as it is chemically synthesised and inexpensive to manufacture. Which kind to take? There is controversy. 1) Methylcobalamin is touted as being found in animal-based foods (and therefore naturally occuring and having superior bio-availability for absorbtion and retention). This is explained as Methylcobalamin having a methyl group (just carbon and hydrogen) while cyanocobalamin contains a cyanide molecule. Although the amount of cyanide in a normal B12 supplement is too small to be harmful, your body will still need to remove and eliminate this compound. As it has no use for the cyano-compound itself, it will set about converting any cyanocobalamin you take into methylcobalamin as soon as possible - it’s the methyl-compound that the human body needs to function properly. In short, the body doesn't use cyanocobalamin but requires energy to expel the cyanide, and your'e left with the methylcobalamin. 2) Contrary to this view is the belief that cyanocobalamin supplements (when taken orally) are superior to myacobalamin. The arguement is that cyanocobalamin gets converted into methylcobalamin but also into adenosylcobalamin as well (and there is evidence that while adenosylcobalamin supports energy production in a way that methylcobalamin alone does not). 3) While yet other scientists see no relative benefit of one versus the other, saying that while Methylcobalamin is more biologically active than cyanocobalamin (and is retained in the body slightly better) it is not well absorbed when taken orally (while cyanocobalamin is). In this case the superiority of methylcobalamin over cyanocobalamin is negated by cyanocobalamin's superior absorption (and that to benefit from methylcobalamin taken orally, several thousand additional micrograms per day must be taken to equal the benefit of cyanocobalamin). Also A 2015 paper by Obeid et al. suggests that people do not benefit more from the co-enzyme forms of methylcobalamin (and hydroxobalamin) because all forms must have their side groups stripped by the target cell before the necessary side group is added for the co-enzyme form needed (except when injected). For further details on this debate (including further studies on absorbtion and retention), see the article: 'Methylcobalamin & Adenosylcobalamin' (at http://veganhealth.org/b12/noncyanob12) Anecdotal evidence suggests that people absorb cyanocobalamin and methylcobalamin differently.  A solution could be to try taking both kinds (the one that works better for you may result in a stronger “feel” energy wise).  As an additional note, naturopathic doctors often recommend methylcobalamin with Folate and B6. The two other forms not yet covered include hydroxocobalamin and Adenosylcobalamin. The most active form of vitamin B12, and the form found in foods, is hydroxocobalamin. However hydroxocobalamin is completely unstable when put in a tablet or capsule, and can only be taken by injection. Hydroxocobalamin is the form of vitamin B12 used for patients with pernicious anemia or other pathologies that need megadoses of vitamin B12 --- and it is only given by injection. I would recommend inquiring about B12 injections or Gel formulations (applies in the nostril). These methods are extremely effective because it bypasses the digestive tract and goes right into the bloodstream. Gel formulations of vitamin B12 are somewhat new and applied into the nostrils (intranasally). They’re now considered an alternative to vitamin B12 injections that some prefer because they require no needles. There is not as much evidence regarding long-term efficacy or safety of gel vitamin B12 compared to injections, but at this time it appears B12 gel works similarly to raise blood levels. Remember that whether you choose to use vitaminBb12 in supplement form or not to resolve deficiency symptoms, it’s important to identify the real reason you’re struggling with deficiency in the first place. It's a little needle and you hardly feel it. Clinicians would show you how to do it yourself. The absorption of vitamin B12 requires something called intrinsic factor, which is found in stomach acid. The best way to rebuild stomach acid (6 kinds of hydrochloric acid) is to drink 16 ounces of fresh celery juice first thing in the am. Must drink it all at once You can't wait The NIH reports that in those with confirmed deficiency, B12 injections can have important benefits. However, it’s been found that oral B12 supplementation when taken in high doses can have similar protective effects. For example, one study found that taking 1,000–2,000 micrograms orally in properly timed doses helped improve levels as much as injections. (5, 6) High doses might possibly interfere with levels of other vitamins, enzymes and minerals (which is always a potential problem when taking any nutrient in very large quantities). Another risk of taking vitamin B12 injections are experiencing interactions with other medications. Vitamin B12 has the potential to interact with certain medications, including diabetic prescriptions, metformin, proton pump inhibitors, antagonists and antibiotics. The companies that put methylcobalamin in their supplements and make a big deal about it being a better quality than cyanocobalamin never tell you that all the studies showing its superiority were done by injected methylcobalamin, not oral methylcobalamin. Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient for the body, and is needed to protect DNA and RNA, support energy, protect nerve and brain cells, stimulate serotonin production, contribute to red blood cell formation, support immune function, and maintain a positive mood.The daily recommended intake for Vitamin B12 is 1.5mcg - 2.0mcg/day. However B12 supplements can containing as much as 1000mcg without toxic effect. As it’s a water-soluble vitamin, any excess that isn’t used should be flushed from the body and not pose too much risk (not the case with fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A). The Institute of Medicine reports that “no adverse effects have been associated with excess vitamin B12 intake from food and supplements in healthy individuals.” (9) The best way to get enough vitamin B12 is through a healthy diet whenever possible, such as from consuming grass-fed beef, poultry or wild-caught fish. Animals store vitamin B12 in liver and muscle and some pass the vitamin into their eggs and milk; meat, liver, eggs and milk. The bioavailability from eggs is less than 9%, compared to 40% to 60% from fish, fowl and meat. Sources with a significant content of vitamin B12 (range among top 20 sources of 50 to 99 µg per 100 grams)30 include clams, organ meats (especially liver) from lamb, veal, beef, and turkey, fish eggs, mackerel, and crab meat.23 The foods highest in vitamin B12 are: Organ meats, such as beef and chicken liver; Wild-caught fish, including salmon, herring, mackerel, tuna, trout and sardines (also great sources of other vital nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids); Organic dairy products, including probiotic-rich yogurt or raw milk; Pasture-raised poultry, including turkey or chicken; Grass-fed beef and lamb; Clams have the highest ammount.Why might you be low in vitamin B12, even if you eat a relatively healthy diet? One reason is being low in a type of compound produced within the stomach called intrinsic factor (a type of glycoprotein), which combines with vitamin B12 once consumed in order to allow it to be absorbed. Research shows that around 50 percent to 60 percent of ingested vitamin B12 is usually absorbed when enough intrinsic factor is present in relation to B12, but absorption decreases drastically when this ratio changes.Older people usually produce less stomach acid and therefore less intrinsic factor, increasing their risk for deficiency. People who take medications regularly that decrease stomach acid production can also become deficient in vitamin B12 for this reason, whether they consume enough from their diets or not.CeleryWhile acid is necessary to recover naturally-occurring vitamin B12 from foods it is not necessary for the absorption of free B12 (not bound to protein), so B12 may be taken in supplement form. Utilization of vitamin B12 (especially from supplements) depends on levels of other metabolic cofactors and acids. Only about 10 mcg of a 500 mcg oral supplement is typically absorbed in healthy people (due to limitations of stomach acid and intrinsic factor). Supplementation There are four forms of vitamin B12 (differentiated by the enzymatically active cofactor or side group attached to the cobalamin molecule): Adenosylcobalamin (AdoCbl); Cyanocobalamin (CNCbl); Hydroxocobalamin (HOCbl); Methylcobalamin (MeCbl) Adenosylcobalamin and methylcobalamin are the two forms of B12 that naturally occur in the body (most of the body's reserves are stored as adoB12 in the liver). The body requires each of them for different reactions.These are converted to the other methylcobalamin form as needed.The two most common forms of vitamin B12 supplements are methylcobalamin and cyanocobalamin. It is unclear which is superior. Some claim that Cyanocobalamin (the most commonly supplemented form of vitamin B12) is inferior, but is so prevalent as it is chemically synthesised and inexpensive to manufacture.Which kind to trake? There is controversy.1 ) Methylcobalamin is touted as being found in animal-based foods (and therefore naturally occuring and having superior bio-availability for absorbtion and retention).This is explained as Methylcobalamin having a methyl group (just carbon and hydrogen) while cyanocobalamin contains a cyanide molecule. Although the amount of cyanide in a normal B12 supplement is too small to be harmful, your body will still need to remove and eliminate this compound. As it has no use for the cyano-compound itself, it will set about converting any cyanocobalamin you take into methylcobalamin as soon as possible - it’s the methyl-compound that the human body needs to function properly. In short, the body doesn't use cyanocobalamin but requires energy to expel the cyanide, and your'e left with the methylcobalamin.2 ) Contrary to this view is the belief that cyanocobalamin supplements (when taken orally) are superior to myacobalamin. The arguement is that cyanocobalamin gets converted into methylcobalamin but also into adenosylcobalamin as well (and there is evidence that while adenosylcobalamin supports energy production in a way that methylcobalamin alone does not).3 ) While yet other scientists see no relative benefit of one versus the other, saying that while Methylcobalamin is more biologically active than cyanocobalamin (and is retained in the body slightly better) it is not well absorbed when taken orally (while cyanocobalamin is). In this case the superiority of methylcobalamin over cyanocobalamin is negated by cyanocobalamin's superior absorption (and that to benefit from methylcobalamin taken orally, several thousand additional micrograms per day must be taken to equal the benefit of cyanocobalamin). Also A 2015 paper by Obeid et al. suggests that people do not benefit more from the co-enzyme forms of methylcobalamin (and hydroxobalamin) because all forms must have their side groups stripped by the target cell before the necessary side group is added for the co-enzyme form needed (except when injected). For further details on this debate (including further studies on absorbtion and retention), see the article: 'Methylcobalamin & Adenosylcobalamin' (at http://veganhealth.org/b12/noncyanob12) Anecdotal evidence suggests that people absorb cyanocobalamin and methylcobalamin differently.  A solution could be to try taking both kinds (the one that works better for you may result in a stronger “feel” energy wise).  As an additional note, naturopathic doctors often recommend methylcobalamin with Folate and B6.The two other forms not yet covered include hydroxocobalamin and Adenosylcobalamin. The most active form of vitamin B12, and the form found in foods, is hydroxocobalamin. However hydroxocobalamin is completely unstable when put in a tablet or capsule, and can only be taken by injection. Hydroxocobalamin is the form of vitamin B12 used for patients with pernicious anemia or other pathologies that need megadoses of vitamin B12 --- and it is only given by injection.I would recommend inquiring about B12 injections or Gel formulations (applies in the nostril). These methods are extremely effective because it bypasses the digestive tract and goes right into the bloodstream.Gel formulations of vitamin B12 are somewhat new and applied into the nostrils (intranasally). They’re now considered an alternative to vitamin B12 injections that some prefer because they require no needles. There is not as much evidence regarding long-term efficacy or safety of gel vitamin B12 compared to injections, but at this time it appears B12 gel works similarly to raise blood levels. Remember that whether you choose to use vitaminBb12 in supplement form or not to resolve deficiency symptoms, it’s important to identify the real reason you’re struggling with deficiency in the first place. It's a little needle and you hardly feel it. Clinicians would show you how to do it yourself. The absorption of vitamin B12 requires something called intrinsic factor, which is found in stomach acid.The best way to rebuild stomach acid (6 kinds of hydrochloric acid) is to drink 16 ounces of fresh celery juice first thing in the am. Must drink it all at once You can't waitThe NIH reports that in those with confirmed deficiency, B12 injections can have important benefits. However, it’s been found that oral B12 supplementation when taken in high doses can have similar protective effects. For example, one study found that taking 1,000–2,000 micrograms orally in properly timed doses helped improve levels as much as injections. (5, 6) High doses might possibly interfere with levels of other vitamins, enzymes and minerals (which is always a potential problem when taking any nutrient in very large quantities). Another risk of taking vitamin B12 injections are experiencing interactions with other medications. Vitamin B12 has the potential to interact with certain medications, including diabetic prescriptions, metformin, proton pump inhibitors, antagonists and antibiotics. The companies that put methylcobalamin in their supplements and make a big deal about it being a better quality than cyanocobalamin never tell you that all the studies showing its superiority were done by injected methylcobalamin, not oral methylcobalamin 

Close window by clicking in grey area >