#196: Teresa Pellicer & Bernardo Gonzaga - The Science of Vitamin B12 and HTBA's MecobalActive Study

Dec 18, 2025

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Vitamin B12 is essential for energy production, nervous system function, and overall metabolic health, but not all B12 forms deliver equal bioavailability or stability. In Episode #196 of the PricePlow Podcast, we welcome back HTBA (HealthTech BioActives) for a comprehensive deep dive into the science behind their MecobalActive methylcobalamin ingredient and the groundbreaking clinical study that validates its efficacy in athletes who are not deficient.

Joining us are Teresa Pellicer, PhD, Pharmacologist and R&D Manager in Biotechnology at HTBA, and Bernardo Gonzaga, Global Division Manager for Functional Health Solutions. This conversation builds on Episode #188 with Edwin Gonzalez, where we explored practical applications of MecobalActive in functional foods.

Today, we go deeper into the molecular mechanisms, clinical evidence, bioavailability data, and manufacturing innovations that make MecobalActive a next-generation B12 solution for supplements, functional foods, and beverages. Teresa’s expertise in pharmacology and molecular biology shines as she explains why methylcobalamin represents the biologically active form your body actually uses, while Bernardo provides industry context on applications, regulatory considerations, and market opportunities.

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform, and sign up for HTBA news alerts before we dive into the science.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/podcast/htba-mecobalactive-vitamin-b12-196

Video: The Science Behind MecobalActive Vitamin B12

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3v5NgW5jD-E

Detailed Show Notes: Teresa Pellicer and Bernardo Gonzaga Discuss MecobalActive B12

(0:00) – Welcome and Introductions
(2:00) – Teresa’s Background in Pharmacology and Molecular Biology
(4:15) – Bernardo’s Industry Journey and Global Perspective
(6:30) – HTBA Company History and Four Business Divisions
(9:15) – Pharmaceutical-Grade Quality for Injectable B12
(11:00) – Sustainability Story: Upcycling Baby Oranges for Bioflavonoids
(13:45) – ESG Commitment Beyond Environmental Impact
(16:00) – Why Vitamin B12 Matters for Energy and Health
(19:30) – The Four Main Forms of Vitamin B12
(22:45) – Why Cyanocobalamin Dominates Despite Conversion Requirements
(26:15) – MecobalActive: Solving Methylcobalamin’s Stability Challenge
(29:45) – The Clinical Study Design and Objectives
(33:00) – Study Results: Superior Bioavailability and Faster Absorption
(36:30) – Methylation Pathways and Homocysteine Metabolism
(40:00) – Adenosylcobalamin and Mitochondrial Energy Production
(43:45) – Populations at Risk for B12 Deficiency
(47:15) – Symptoms and Consequences of B12 Deficiency
(51:00) – Absorption Mechanisms: Intrinsic Factor Pathway
(54:45) – Passive Diffusion and High-Dose Supplementation
(58:15) – Manufacturing Challenges with Methylcobalamin Stability
(1:01:30) – Applications in Functional Foods and Beverages
(1:05:00) – Dosing Considerations and Safety Profile
(1:08:30) – Combining B12 with Other B Vitamins and Nutrients
(1:12:00) – Regulatory Landscape Across Global Markets
(1:15:45) –…