Solgar B12 - Sublingual & Methyl cobalamin - Thyroid UK

Thyroid UK

142,585 members167,964 posts

Solgar B12 - Sublingual & Methyl cobalamin

joey82 profile image
12 Replies

Hi,

I have always used Solgar Methyl cobalamin B12. I thought this was the same as sub-lingual B12, but after re-ordering it appears Solgar B12 sun-lingual & Methyl Cobalamin are different.

And it does seem the Methyl cobalamin is out of stock in many places.

Is it ok to use the Sub-lingual B12?

Written by
joey82 profile image
joey82
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
12 Replies
Jaydee1507 profile image
Jaydee1507Administrator

The Solgar sub lingual seems to be cyanobalmin which is the inactive form and I wouldn;t recommend it.

You could try Cytoplan sublingual with contains 2 active forms of B12 - methylcobalmin & Adenosylcobalmin which work well together.

cytoplan.co.uk/vitamin-b12-...

Are you also taking a good methyl B complex?

ERIC107 profile image
ERIC107 in reply toJaydee1507

Cross post with your reply  Jaydee1507 !

I don't think cyanocobalamin is actually inactive - it's just that it's less efficiently processed and/or tolerated by the body. As I understand it, all B12-containing supplements need to be processed by the body into a bioactive form (with the possible exception of adenosylcobalamin). The ease of removal of the "leaving group" (cyano, hydroxo, or methyl) plays a role, as does the subsequent requirement for processing said removed leaving group (a cyano group is the least biologically "friendly").

Happy to be corrected by a biochemist though - this is based on my analytical chemist experiences 😊

Jaydee1507 profile image
Jaydee1507Administrator in reply toERIC107

This group recommends the methyl form as being the most widely available and not requiring further conversion by the body for use.

No I am not a biochemist, just a patient with lived experience.

joey82 profile image
joey82 in reply toJaydee1507

I've just run out of Ctytoplan, but it was 500mg so I wanted to go back 1000mg per dose.

Just using a B-complex gummy, as it was on offer a £2.50! I will go back to a methyl B complex when I run out.

Jaydee1507 profile image
Jaydee1507Administrator in reply tojoey82

The Cytoplan one is actually 1000mcgs but is 500 of methyl & 500 of Adenosyl.

Jaydee1507 profile image
Jaydee1507Administrator in reply tojoey82

If you're buying a supplement for £2.50 you do have to check the label and see what it contains. At that price I'm guessing it won;t help you much.

joey82 profile image
joey82 in reply toJaydee1507

It was on offer. Its a good brand.

HealthStarDust profile image
HealthStarDust in reply toJaydee1507

Damn, Solgar B12 sublingual is the one I switched to when not taking B complex! It will be interesting to see what my next B12 result is.

Edit: Although the Solgar B Complex I used to use had the same type of B12, and my B12 did in fact improve. Although, I was using Better You spray too. So annoyed at my error.

Jaydee1507 profile image
Jaydee1507Administrator in reply toHealthStarDust

Its very easy to make errors when buying supplements or anything in fact if your body is a bit particular.

HealthStarDust profile image
HealthStarDust in reply toJaydee1507

And, it is that at the minute! I really hope my B12 hasn’t dropped as a result as I decided to pause B Complex and oral spray B12 but continue with folate and B12 supplement separately.

ERIC107 profile image
ERIC107

Hi joey82 - it's possible that the sub-lingual B12 is methyl cobalamin. You will be fine to take the sub-lingual, it just might not be as effective 😊

The vitamin B12 has the chemical name "cobalamin". The cobalamin species typically has another small "section" joined to it when it is formulated into tablet (or solution/spray) format. This is - broadly speaking - to make it stable and also easily absorbed and processed by the body.

Different "B12" manufacturers use a different small "section" when they make their tablets/spray. Some make cyano cobalamin (cyanocobalamin) - this is the least "good" for the body (but is OK), some make the one you've got, methyl cobalamin - this is a much better version of B12. There are also hydroxo cobalamin (hydroxocobalamin) and adenosyl cobalamin (adenosylcobalamin) - both are better than cyanocobalamin.

The main reason for the differences is cost.. isn't it always!

[Edited to answer the *actual* question in my first paragraph!]

joey82 profile image
joey82

Thanks all, that was a much more complex answer than I was anticipating lol!

I'll stick with the methyl version

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Solgar B12

A couple of days ago I opened a new bottle of Solgar Methylcobalamin and thought they looked...

B12

My daughter has had to have B12 injections twice within a year. Blood test for GPC antibodies came...
Catlover3 profile image

B12

Just bought this from Holland & Barrett.. I asked for the most potent methyl cobalamin.. 4 sprays...
Rudegirl profile image

Anyone had success raising their B12 level using supplements?

Hi, I am just wondering if there are any peeps out there who have raised their B12 readings from...
tiredtanya profile image

Supplementing with Ferrous Sulphate and B12.

Hi folks been supplementing with the above for past year. Ferritin now at 350 (top of range) and...
Shona64 profile image

Moderation team

See all
helvella profile image
helvellaAdministrator
PurpleNails profile image
PurpleNailsAdministrator
RedApple profile image
RedAppleAdministrator

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.