Adenosylcobalamin - anyone tried it?

Has anyone added this version of B12 in, and if so, what were the results?

Did you try the liquid or tablet form?

Apparently it does a different job from methylcobalamin, is essential for the citric acid cycle, Kreb's cycle, and possibly is also more effective on the pins and needles side...

Anyone agree or disagree? Obviously it will suit some people and not others, depending on our flaws.

[Thalia56]

I take 3,000mcg sublingual adenosyl a couple of times a week, together with varying multiples of 1,000mcg methyl sublingual daily.

I'm not one of those people who notice an immediate difference after taking any form of B12, though this may be because I'm quite unwell with a thyroid condition for which I still have to find effective treatment. What I did notice three days after starting methyl was that I had a sudden burst of energy for a few hours. It didn't last and I haven't experienced it again. When I started adenosyl, reducing the methyl, a few weeks later, I had a similar, only stronger, burst of energy on day three. Again, it hasn't lasted.

Because my GP has insisted on me having another B12 blood test next week, I've reduced my B12 intake over the past few weeks, and restricted it to methyl only as the lozenges are smaller doses. When I felt extremely weak and exhausted yesterday, I cracked and took half an adenosyl lozenge. Half an hour later, I had *much* more strength. It could be coincidence, of course - there's no way of knowing - but I know the conclusion I've drawn!

[fbirder]

I thought the body produces adenosyl from other forms of cobalamin.

[Thalia56 in reply to fbirder]

Theoretically, yes, but my understanding is that this isn't the case for everyone, often due to methylation/MTHFR issues.

[fbirder in reply to Thalia56]

Yes, I can see how methylation problems might interfere with conversion of hydroxocobalamin to the methyl form. But conversion to the adenosyl form shouldn't be be a problem.

Ah! Unless, conversion from hydroxocobalamin to adenosyl cobalamin requires methyl cobalamin as an intermediate.

Darn! Looks like I'm going to have to find a decent scientific paper on interconversion of the various forms of B12. Unless somebody can provide a link.

[Thalia56 in reply to fbirder]

My apologies - my lack of clear understanding of the subject meant I got it wrong. I conflated methylation with MMA. I remember reading that there is a genetic mutation which affects the synthesis of adenosylcobalamin (which I assumed means synthesis from methyl to adenosyl, though I may well have made a huge error by assuming this - the dangers of having very little knowledge of a subject). I've just been searching for what I originally read and, though I couldn’t find it, I did find this, which may be of interest: omim.org/entry/251110#descr...

Leaving aside my lack of scientific understanding, the reason I tried adenosyl was the number of anecdotes from people who were taking methyl but who also had a positive reaction to adenosyl, one which was often qualitatively different to their reaction to methyl. I figured that I had nothing to lose by trying it, and certainly my good reaction means that I intend to continue taking both forms as I don't seem able to convert hydroxo effectively.

I remember reading on a few sites that some people have an imbalance between methyl and adenosyl, which conversion from methyl alone won't make up, but when I tried to follow up this line of enquiry, I couldn't find any research papers, barring one which seems to deal with that subject but which one has to pay to access. If you find anything, I'd love to know!

[Thalia56 in reply to Thalia56]

Ack - I got it wrong again! The paper I found wasn't to do with an imbalance of the two active B12s; it was looking at defective adenosylcobalamin synthesis in a case of transcobalamin II deficiency.

"Cobalamin metabolism has been investigated in a new case of transcobalamin II (TC II) deficiency. Using the chromatobioautographic technique, an abnormal distribution of cobalamins was detected in the child's erythrocytes and reduced synthesis of adenosylcobalamin but not of methylcobalamin in cultured fibroblasts. These results suggest that there may be a close link between TC II-mediated cobalamin transport and intracellular synthesis of adenosylcobalamin (Ado-Cbl)."

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/677...

[pieris in reply to fbirder]

Hi fbirder, I am as confused as everyone else I've come to the conclusion I will supplement my injections of hydroxocobalamin with what Sally Pacholock takes and that's a mix of methyl and adeno lozenge daily. (2000mcg.) But will start off with 1000 and gradually increase.

[Hidden]

Thank you both v much. Impala I am v impressed by your hard work on this. The quality of thought and research on this forum and the thyroid forum is so high, even though we are all struggling to understand difficult science and weigh our own experience against a very limited number of studies. I think I will give it a go and watch carefully.

[Thalia56 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, Aspmama! I realise I'm building on shaky foundations when it comes to my understanding of all this; ultimately, for me, what matters is that it appears taking adenosyl can't do any harm and it's of benefit to some people. From my limited experience so far, I include myself in that group. I hope you find it helps!

Hear, hear re the PAS and Thyroid groups. I dread to think what sort of a state I'd be in without all the help, advice and information given so freely by fellow members.

[Gambit62 Administrator]

Have been trying it for a week now - using drops but taking them nasally.

I find that it has helped a lot with stiffness in my ankle and the degree of feeling I have in my foot - yesterday I only took one dose rather than 2 and noticed the difference in the foot when I got up this morning.

However, that's just how it is working for me - the stiffness is a bit of a surprise for me but I'm definitely walking to the loo in the night rather than doing a bride of Frankenstein waddle ... except for last night.

[Sleepybunny]

Hi All,

I'm thinking about trying adenosylcobalamin.

Gambit where do you get your adenosyl drops from please?

Thanks.

[Allijaybee]

I take sublingual drops with both active forms & they have prevented me needing B12 shots. They work well & very quickly. I opted to take one with both forms to ‘hedge’ my bets’ as they say - I figured if I took both I’d have double the benefit, & I’m glad I did.