Description
Methylcobalamin
Methylcobalamin, which is the biologically active form of vitamin B12, plays a vital role in many processes within the human body. One of the essential functions is its involvement in the production of healthy red blood cells, which transport oxygen to the body’s tissues. Vitamin B12 is also important for maintaining the health of nerve cells, as it contributes to the formation of the myelin sheath that protects nerve fibres. In addition, vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis, which is essential for cell division and growth (1, 2).
Vitamin B12 can be obtained from a variety of animal-based sources, including beef, pork, liver, organ meats, fortified cereals, milk, and salmon. As opposed to most other vitamins, B12 is stored in significant amounts, mainly in the liver, until the body requires it. The primary dietary sources of vitamin B12 are animal products, as plants do not produce this nutrient and so if you do not consume these foods, supplementation may be required. Absorption of vitamin B12 occurs in the final segment of the small intestine, the ileum, which leads to the large intestine. However, to be absorbed, the vitamin must combine with intrinsic factor, a protein produced in the stomach. Without intrinsic factor, vitamin B12 can not be absorbed, and instead, it moves through the intestine and is eliminated through stool (3).
In the UK, the recommended nutrient intake (RNI) for vitamin B12 is 75 micrograms/day for men and 60 micrograms/day for women. While the levels vary depending on age, the British Nutrition Foundation suggestions can be found in table 1 (4).
Table 1. Recommended Nutrient Intakes for vitamin B12 (4)
| Age |
Male |
Female |
Pregnancy |
Lactation |
| 1-3 years |
0.5µg/d |
0.5µg/d |
|
|
| 4-6 years |
0.8µg/d |
0.8µg/d |
|
|
| 7-10 years |
1.0µg/d |
1.0µg/d |
|
|
| 11-14 years |
1.2µg/d |
1.2µg/d |
|
|
| 15-18 years |
1.5µg/d |
1.5µg/d |
|
|
| 19-50 years |
1.5µg/d |
1.5µg/d |
* |
+0.5µg/d |
| 50+ years |
1.5µg/d |
1.5µg/d |
|
|
*No Increase
Certain groups of individuals are at a higher risk of developing vitamin B12 deficiency. Infants born to vegan mothers and individuals following a vegetarian diet may not consume adequate amounts of vitamin B12 through their diet, leading to a higher risk of deficiency. Those who have undergone gastrointestinal surgery or have gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn’s disease or coeliac disease, may have difficulty absorbing vitamin B12, resulting in a higher risk of deficiency. Individuals with pernicious anaemia, an autoimmune disorder that affects the intrinsic factor needed for vitamin B12 absorption, are also at risk for deficiency. Additionally, older adults may experience a decline in the ability to absorb vitamin B12, potentially leading to deficiency. It is important for individuals in these high-risk groups to monitor their vitamin B12 intake and consult with a healthcare professional if they suspect deficiency or have concerns about their dietary intake (1).
Individuals in high-risk groups who develop a vitamin B12 deficiency may experience various symptoms. These symptoms may include megaloblastic anaemia, which is characterised by larger than normal red blood cells and a smaller than normal amount due to insufficient vitamin B12 intake or poor absorption. Pernicious anaemia, a type of megaloblastic anaemia caused by a lack of intrinsic factor, may also occur. Other symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency can include fatigue, weakness, nerve damage resulting in numbness and tingling in the hands and legs, memory loss, confusion, dementia, depression, and even seizures (5).
If pregnant or breastfeeding, or taking certain medications, please consult your healthcare practitioner before use.
Epigenetics Methylcobalamin is produced in a convenient, vegan friendly capsule. Recommended daily dose is 1 serving per day taken with a meal, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner. This product is not intended to be used as an alternative to a varied diet.
Ingredients
| Ingredient |
Amount per serving |
ECRDA* |
%DV* |
| Vitamin B12 |
1 mg |
40,000%* |
1117%* |
| (as Methylcobalamin) |
|
|
|
* Percent Daily Reference Intakes (RI) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
INGREDIENTS: Purified water, Glycerine, Methylcobalamin.
Suitable for vegans
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Vitamin B12 is a vital nutrient for red blood cell formation, and low levels of this vitamin can impair the development of healthy red blood cells. In cases of vitamin B12 deficiency, red blood cells become larger and typically oval-shaped, which hinders their movement from the bone marrow into the bloodstream. This can lead to megaloblastic anaemia, a condition in which the body doesn’t have enough red blood cells to transport oxygen to vital organs. As a result, symptoms like fatigue and weakness may develop. Therefore, it’s important to maintain adequate levels of vitamin B12 to support healthy red blood cell formation and prevent anaemia (6).
Adequate levels of vitamin B12 are crucial during pregnancy to prevent major birth defects. Research has shown that the proper development of a foetus’s brain and nervous system is dependent on sufficient levels of vitamin B12 from the mother. Insufficient levels of vitamin B12 during early pregnancy may increase the risk of birth defects, particularly neural tube defects. In addition, maternal vitamin B12 deficiency may lead to premature birth or miscarriage. An earlier study indicated that pregnant females with B12 levels below 250 mg/dL were three times more likely to give birth to a child with birth defects compared to those with adequate levels. For those with B12 levels below 150 mg/d, the risk of birth defects was five times higher than those with levels above 400 mg/dL (6).
Macular degeneration is a debilitating eye disease that primarily affects central vision. Recent research suggests that maintaining adequate levels of vitamin B12 in the body may help prevent age-related macular degeneration by reducing the levels of homocysteine, an amino acid found in the bloodstream. Elevated homocysteine levels have been associated with a higher risk of developing macular degeneration. In a 2009 study involving over 5000 females aged 40 or older, those who received vitamin B12 supplements, along with folic acid and vitamin B6, for seven years, had a lower risk of developing macular degeneration compared to the placebo group. The risk reduction for the more severe types of the condition was particularly significant, with a 41% decrease observed. However, further research is necessary to fully elucidate the precise role of vitamin B12 in promoting vision health and preventing macular degeneration (6).
Vitamin B12 is a vital nutrient that plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of neurons in the brain. When neurons in the brain begin to deteriorate, it can lead to brain atrophy, which is associated with memory loss and dementia. In a randomised trial, older adults with early-stage dementia were given vitamin B12 supplements to lower their blood homocysteine levels. The results showed that those who received vitamin B12 supplements experienced a slower rate of cognitive and clinical decline. Moreover, research suggests that low levels of vitamin B12, even within normal range, can contribute to poor memory performance. Therefore, ensuring adequate levels of vitamin B12 is crucial for maintaining optimal brain function and reducing the risk of memory loss and dementia (7).
The consumption of vitamin B12 may have a positive impact on an individual’s mood. The precise mechanisms by which vitamin B12 affects mood is not yet fully understood, but it is known to be crucial in the synthesis and metabolism of serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in regulating mood. Insufficient levels of vitamin B12 can lead to decreased serotonin production, resulting in a depressed mood. In a study involving individuals with depression and low-normal levels of vitamin B12, those who were treated with both antidepressants and vitamin B12 were more likely to experience an improvement in their depressive symptoms than those who received only antidepressants. A comprehensive review revealed that vitamin B12 deficiency was associated with a higher risk of depression, particularly in older females. Therefore, it may be beneficial to ensure adequate vitamin B12 intake as a means of improving mood and alleviating depressive symptoms (6).
Clinical research suggests that methylcobalamin, has the potential to alleviate nerve pain and damage. It has been found to reduce pain symptoms in neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy, lower back pain, and other conditions. Injected methylcobalamin has been shown to effectively alleviate clinical symptoms in legs, such as paraesthesia, burning pains, and spontaneous pain in some patients with diabetic neuropathy. In addition, a meta-analysis of seven clinical trials confirmed that methylcobalamin can provide moderate benefits for some symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, including pain. In patients with neck pain, methylcobalamin significantly improved symptoms such as pain and prickling sensations. Studies have also shown that methylcobalamin is safe and effective for nerve pain due to herpes simplex infection (postherpetic neuralgia). Furthermore, animal models have demonstrated that methylcobalamin can improve different types of neuropathic pain, increase the regeneration of axons, and promote neuronal repair (2).
Vitamin B12 deficiency can be caused by a variety of factors, including malabsorption of the vitamin from food, lack of intrinsic factor (typically seen in cases of pernicious anaemia), surgical procedures in the gastrointestinal tract, prolonged use of certain medications such as metformin or proton pump inhibitors and dietary deficiencies. Individuals with difficulty absorbing vitamin B12 from food tends to have less severe deficiencies than those with pernicious anaemia, as they can still absorb free vitamin B12 normally. Additionally, severe vitamin B12 deficiency can be caused by congenital conditions such as hereditary intrinsic factor defects and congenital vitamin B12 malabsorption (known as Imerslund-Gräsbeck disease). It is important to identify the underlying cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in order to properly manage and treat the condition (1).
Certain medications may increase the risk of cobalamin deficiency in patients. Metformin, a commonly prescribed medication for type 2 diabetes, has been associated with an increased risk of cobalamin deficiency in some patients. In addition, the use of proton pump inhibitors or histamine 2 receptor blockers (such as Zantac or Tagamet) may lead to reduced B12 absorption and subsequent deficiency. Women using hormonal birth control methods, such as oral contraception or DMPA, have also been found to have lower levels of B12. Awareness of the potential risk of drug induced B12 deficiency can aid in the timely diagnosis and management of this condition, especially in high-risk patient populations (2).
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