Better Health While Aging 156 – Methylcobalamin vs Cyanocobalamin: Which Vitamin B12 is Best?
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Mar 12, 2025 Discover the battle of B12 as two forms, methylcobalamin and cyanocobalamin, take the spotlight. Each has unique biochemical properties, impacting their effectiveness for treating vitamin B12 deficiency. Gain insights into choosing the right supplement to boost your health. This discussion also unveils when and why to consider each type, equipping you with knowledge for better health decisions.
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B12 Supplement Forms
- Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic, stable, and inexpensive form of B12 used for decades.
- Methylcobalamin, a natural form, is often more costly but better absorbed by the body.
B12 Processing in the Body
- All B12 forms are absorbed and converted to an intermediate; the body removes the 'R' group.
- This intermediate becomes methylcobalamin or adenosylcobalamin, the forms used by cells.
Choosing a B12 Supplement
- For oral treatment, either cyanocobalamin or methylcobalamin is usually acceptable.
- Prioritize treating the deficiency; methylcobalamin may offer slight advantages but is more expensive.