Why Should Methylcobalamin Form of Sublingual Vitamin B12 Be Chosen Over Cyanocobalamin Form?

Pharmacists at Biosense Clinical Pharmacy suggest that sublingual methylcobalamin should be chosen over cyanocobalamin whenever possible

​Both vitamin B12 forms (methylcobalamin and cyanocobalamin) are available on the market. “Cyanocobalamin is the most commonly supplemented form of vitamin B12 because it is more air-stable, easier to crystallize, and simpler to purify. However, it is an inactive form of vitamin B12 which requires conversion by the body to the usable active form – methylcobalamin,” Lisa from Biosense Clinical Team said.

When the oral cyanocobalamin form is used, sometimes a person may not be able to receive sufficient vitamin B12. Why does this happen? “This is a common question we get from many clients,” Lisa, clinical pharmacist replied. “Cyanocobalamin cannot be found naturally in the human body, and hence this is considered as the more “synthetic” form of B12. Because every person’s body has a different rate and competency of conversion, the amount of converted usable vitamin B12 differs at the end.”

Methylcobalamin B12 should be chosen over cyanocobalamin B12

David Fung, Pharmacist

Biosense clinical team, Lisa continued, “methylcobalamin, on the other hand, is the active form of vitamin B12 which is readily available for the body to utilize without the need of conversion. Compared with oral form of cyanocobalamin, methylcobalamin is better absorbed and retained in higher amounts within the tissues. In simple terms, they are used much more effectively and efficiently by the body.”

 Biosense Clinical Pharmacist, Lisa concluded, “in summary, methylcobalamin is used primarily in the liver, brain and nervous system. It should be the first form of vitamin B12 to be used to optimize nervous system health when choosing oral vitamin supplementation.”

Contact Details:

Biosense Clinical Pharmacy

145-13988 Maycrest Way

Richmond, BC

V6V 3C3

email: contact@biosenseclinic.com

Tel: 604-278-7955

Fax: 604-278-7960

Source: Biosense Clinical Pharmacy

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