cobalamin v methylcobalamin sublinguals - Pernicious Anaemi...

Pernicious Anaemia Society

32,669 members24,064 posts

cobalamin v methylcobalamin sublinguals

Janeames profile image
11 Replies

Having real fight on my hands with my doctor over B12 injections, are getting monthly shots and no loading shots. She does not believe that my B12 deficiency is causing my speech impairment, head pressure. However, I am having EEG and seeing a neurologist. I know I should change my doctor, but I am of the belief my healthcare provider have a standard policy they work through and another doctor will do the same.

So my question is, are sublinguals are as good as B12 shots and which type, cobalamin or methylcobalamin should I take (I have both on hand) for neurological problems, I am presuming nueorological terms is used for my speech impairment (last for 5 minutes) and aura migraine.

Written by
Janeames profile image
Janeames
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
11 Replies
charks profile image
charks

I use methylcobalamin sublinguals but they didn't work for me when taking them sublingually. I have to dilute the B12 liquid in water and then drink it throughout the day. This gives my body more chance to absorb enough B12 via passive absorbtion. And I have to take a vast amount daily - at least 15,000mcg.

tomdickharry profile image
tomdickharry in reply tocharks

Since my supply of ampoules became out of date and I couldn't get fresh ones I've been taking Horbaach methylcobalamin. I found that nothing appeared in my urine until I took 25000 micrograms. However, I had to take it all in one go, undiluted. The disadvantage is that it contains significant amounts of sorbitol, which has a sickly taste and can be laxative.

charks profile image
charks in reply totomdickharry

In my experience taking all in one go is a waste of time. It goes through your system too quickly to be absorbed - passive absorbtion is incredibly slow. Which is why I dilute the B12 and drink it throughout the day. It gives my gut maximum exposure to the B12. I don't understand your statement 'appeared in my urine.' What is appearing?

tomdickharry profile image
tomdickharry in reply tocharks

I tried that way for weeks, but no effect. The way I understand the process is that the higher the concentration of a substance, the greater the chance of absorption by osmotic pressure. It seems to work for me. Anyway, hopefully it's short-term as I've managed to order ampoules from Amazon.de and looking to change my G.P. soon.

Technoid profile image
Technoid

You cannot buy a cobalamin supplement (that I'm aware of). The human-usable B12 supplements that are available are Cyanocobalamin (the most common, synthetic and most well tested form), and the natural forms : Hydroxocobalamin, Methylcobalamin and Adenosylcobalamin.

In terms of effectiveness and safety, in theory all are equivalent but you may find that you have less side effects with one form than another, or that one seems to relieve symptoms more than another. Less additives the better if you will be taking a lot frequently.

Most find that injections work incomparably better than oral or sublingual BUT I know other forum members have reported improvement with sublinguals that they did not see with injections, I cannot explain this from a scientific perspective since injections put B12 directly into the blood, bypassing any absorption issues while sublinguals or oral have to work within the limits of passive absorption - approx 1% of the dose.

I have neurological symptoms - memory loss, slurred speech, stutter, complete loss of words at times, inability to carry out basic tasks. I self inject now because doctors would not consider PA so I pretty much had to take things into my own hands. I was getting too ill, my heart was so weak and I was bedbound.Sublinguals do nothing for me and that's at a high dose. Injections give me near normal brain function, I have long standing unresolved stomach issues so I have to bypass the stomach, it's a complete waste of time trying otherwise for me. Consider SI, you obviously need more frequent injections and they seem very reluctant to give you them, don't suffer at their hands. I had 6 injections privately and When I saw the improvement I got advice from others who told me to SI, now done it 4 times every 2 days and I'm feeling so much better. I wouldn't advise anyone to suffer but to look into SI if you feel you need more frequent injections, speech impediment coming back for me means b12 injection is needed asap

Janeames profile image
Janeames

Thanks for your reply. Are you in the united states? Where do you get the private injections.

Orchard33 profile image
Orchard33 in reply toJaneames

I get my private injections-every two months plus loaders last summer- from a VitaminB12Shot network practitioner who also has PA and is a source of support. I therefore have IM injections every month and self inject between these.

in reply toJaneames

No I'm in the UK but have to get from Germany, thanks to this network I was given help at every step. I got mine from versandapo.de the Pascoe brand of B12. You would have to get syringes, needles etc separately. They do b12 injections at salons here in Uk and spas, I don't know if that's the same in America

Mrsannabbott profile image
Mrsannabbott

Just curious…who are Vitamin B12 Shot network practitioners and are they properly registered? And are they a solution for those who have difficulty with their GP.Ann Abbott

in reply toMrsannabbott

I had 3 from these, apparently they can only give them by approval from a doctor listed with the b12 shot network. I had to do a medical symptoms form but who knows, qualifications for the practitioners are given by the vitamin b12 shot company so I don't think they have any medical background

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Sublinguals only?

After finding out my B12 levels were at 157 a month and a half ago, today I got my final booster...
Hanneke12 profile image

Can sublinguals help to supplement b12 between injections?

I am on injections - have had 7 in a a row and the 8th a week later, and scheduled for once a week...

Is Methylcobalamin necessary?

I believe I have PA with severe neurological symptoms. I have heard Methylcobalamin is the best for...
38yroldmale profile image

B12 low, folate levels normal

Hello - this is my first post here - I am usually on the Hughes Syndrome section of Health...
stillwaiting profile image

Advice on sublinguals

Just wondering how ofter i would need to take 1000mcg sublinguals compared to having injections, i...
sbadd profile image

Moderation team

See all
Gambit62 profile image
Gambit62Administrator
Foggyme profile image
FoggymeAdministrator
taka profile image
takaAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.