Q: I like taking B12 for my health and noticed there are different kinds of B12. What are the differences?

A: Thank you for your question. B12 is a water-soluble vitamin naturally present in certain foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement. Vitamin B12 helps keep your body’s blood and nerve cells healthy and helps make DNA. Vitamin B12 helps prevent megaloblastic anemia, a blood condition that makes people tired and weak. Vitamin B12 contains cobalt, that is why it is referred to as a cobalamin. The three most common forms of B12 are Methylcobalamin, Hydroxycobalamin and Cyanocobalamin. However, only Methylcobalamin is biologically active without conversion.

Cyanocobalamin, a form of vitamin B12, contains cyanide, specifically a cyanide molecule attached to the vitamin B12 structure. The body's conversion of Cyanocobalamin to Methylcobalamin is a metabolic process requiring energy, several biochemical steps, and can take up to 48 hours. As a result of the conversion only a fraction of cyanocobalamin becomes a usable form of B12

The amount of cyanide released during the metabolism of Cyanocobalamin is minimal and is generally considered safe for most people. The body can detoxify this small amount of cyanide without any significant health risks. People with Liver and Kidney disease should be cautious in the use of Cyanocobalamin.

Methylcobalamin, an active form of vitamin B12, is naturally occurring. It can be found in foods like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products, making it a part of our regular diet. Even at large doses, vitamin B12 is generally considered to be safe because the body does not store excess amounts. Instead, it excretes any excess B12 through urine, which means you must regularly consume foods or supplements that contain B12 to maintain adequate levels in your body.

We offer quality Methylcobalamin (methylated B12) injections and encourage all our patients to take B12, at a minimum, and B-complex, at best.