Vitamins
Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin)
Also known as: Methylcobalamin · Cyanocobalamin · Cobalamin
The only vitamin exclusively found in animal foods. Deficiency causes irreversible nerve damage. Essential supplementation for vegans and those over 50.
Effective Dose
500–1000mcg / day
per clinical evidence
Evidence Level
Strong
Vitamins
Mechanism
Methylation co-factor, myelin synthesis, red blood cell maturation
primary action
Best For
Energy
Nerve health, Vegan diets, Deficiency correction
This profile is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplementation, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or take medications.
What Is Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin)?
Vitamin B12 is a cobalt-containing vitamin essential for DNA synthesis, myelin formation, and homocysteine methylation. It is found exclusively in animal-derived foods, making deficiency universal among vegans without supplementation. Absorption requires intrinsic factor — a glycoprotein secreted by gastric parietal cells that declines with age.
How It Works: The Science
B12 is a co-factor for methionine synthase (methylation cycle — converts homocysteine to methionine) and methylmalonyl-CoA mutase (odd-chain fatty acid and amino acid catabolism). Deficiency impairs myelin synthesis (neurological damage) and DNA methylation, causing megaloblastic anaemia and subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord.
Primary Mechanism
Methylation co-factor, myelin synthesis, red blood cell maturation
Evidence-Based Benefits
Dosage Guide
Effective Dose
500–1000mcg / day
500–1000mcg/day. Methylcobalamin is the bioactive form preferred over cyanocobalamin. High oral doses (1000mcg) compensate for impaired intrinsic factor via passive diffusion — effective even with absorption problems.
Safety Profile & Side Effects
Extremely safe — no established upper tolerable limit. Water-soluble, excess excreted in urine. No toxicity reported at any oral dose.
Who Should (and Shouldn't) Take It
All vegans and vegetarians (mandatory), adults over 50 (declining intrinsic factor), those on metformin (depletes B12), and anyone with low energy of unknown cause.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Ingredients
Medical Disclaimer
Ingredient profiles are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplementation, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or take medications. Full disclaimer →