Nutrition

B12 Injections: Cyanocobalamin and Methylcobalamin Explained

b12-energyWhen purchasing B12 injections, there are many choices. Often, the most economic product is most appealing. The names might seem interchangeable as long as they contain the vitamin you need. However, it shouldn't be assumed all vitamin B12 injections are created equally. Cyanocobalamin and Methylcobalamin are two very different things.

Let's take a look at the differences between each, as well as their associations with B12 in order to help you determine which is best suited for your needs.

Cobalamins & B12

When we refer to vitamin B12, it is actually a generic term. B12 is a class of compounds called cobalamins. The molecules attached to the cobalamin are called a donor. This is where Cyanide and Methyl comes in, as they are the most common donors. Cyanide combines with the cobalamin compound to form Cyanocobalamin and Methyl combines to make Methylcobalamin.

Cyanocobalamin

Cyanocobalamin is the most common form of B12 that doctors both use and prescribe. It's also important to note that Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic form made from a Cyanide molecule. Because it is synthetic, the body must break it down into Methylcobalamin before it can be absorbed and put to use by the body.

Methylcobalamin

Unlike Cyanocobalamin, Methylcobalamin is the form of B12 that is naturally found in food and naturally available within the body. Because it is a naturally occurring and pure form of B12, the body does not have to break it down in order to put it to use.

Importance of Conversion

In order to maintain a healthy body, it must detoxify. One process that the body does naturally in order to detoxify itself is called Methylation. It is critical to our health that this process is performed. Environmental toxins that we come into contact with daily often deplete the levels of Methyl in our body, which hinders this process.

Cyanocobalamin vs. Methylcobalamin

The Methylcobalamin form of B12 replenishes the body's Methyl molecule levels, which stabilizes free radicals in the body.

Conversely, the Cyanocobalamin B12 shots require Methyl molecules in order to work. This means that people who already have conditions that inhibit production of Methyl molecules, or are low due to environmental factors, are unable to fully benefit from a Cyanocobalamin B12 injection. In fact, Cyanocobalamin injections will make any deficiencies worse and can harm your health, which is counterproductive to your intentions.

Importance of Injections

While Cyanocobalamin has its cons, B12 injections are preferable to traditional oral B12 supplements. This is because of how injections are received and put to work by the body in comparison.

Oral supplements require a trip through the digestive system. Because of this, they are often coated with additives and many of the nutritional benefits are lost along the way. This reduces the effectiveness and the dose.

Injections, however, are delivered directly into the bloodstream and go to work immediately. Even Cyanocobalamin injections are more efficient and preferable to supplements. If additives concern you, oral supplements should be your last choice.

Ultimately, whether you choose Methylcobalamin or Cyanocobalamin injections is up to you. Many prefer Methylcobalamin B12 to Cyanocobalamin. Since Cyanocobalamin is synthetic and requires use of Methyl molecules in order to provide much needed benefits, it requires more work from the body with less reward when compared to Methylcobalamin.

Lindsey Dahlberg is a health and fitness writer. She often reviews products and evaluates their effectiveness. She recently researched the Methylcobalamin injections found here. Compared to Cyanocobalamin, Lindsey thinks Methylcobalamin injections are the better option.

If you have any questions, please ask below!