Vit B12 sublingual

[Jamima]

I've just changed to the igennus b12 sublingual as I get on very well with their super-b complex. reading the label I notice it contains methylcobalamin, adenosylcobalamin and hydroxocobalamin, the previous b12 supp I used didn't have hydroxocobalamin - what is it?

[helvella Administrator]

There are four variants of cobalamin:

hydroxocobalamin

adenosylcobalamin

methylcobalamin

cyanocobalamin

"Cobalamin" is the major, the big part of the molecule. And the other bit is something attached to that big molecule. Within our bodies this "extra" bit might get removed or exchanged for another extra bit as the B12 is processed and distributed.

Almost all NHS B12 injections in the UK are hydroxocobalamin.

Almost all cheap B12 supplements and B12 added to fortify foods are cyanocobalamin.

Many of the more expensive supplements are methylcobalamin.

A few supplements are adenosylcobalamin.

Cyanocobalamin is more stable than the other forms which is a major reason for it being widely used.

A tiny number of people must avoid cyanocobalamin (e.g. with Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy). But, in general, the differences are not that great. Many feel one form rather than another suits them better - and that could be true. Mixing forms manages to cover the ground!

[HealthStarDust in reply to helvella]

Cyanocobalamin is more stable

How is this form more stable?

[helvella Administrator in reply to HealthStarDust]

In similar forms and storage conditions, it retains potency for longer.

That is, if you took an ampoule, or a tub of lozenges, tablets, or whatever, of cyano- and, say, hydroxo-, which were otherwise identical, and stored them exactly the same (temperature and light) the cyano- would end up with a longer best before date.

[HealthStarDust in reply to helvella]

Aha. Thank you.

[helvella Administrator in reply to HealthStarDust]

I'm not speaking for the complex changes which occur once ingested!

[HealthStarDust in reply to helvella]

That was what I originally thought you meant, so glad to for that clarified. 😆

[helvella Administrator in reply to HealthStarDust]

And the stability when stored and processed into product is very much an advantage for manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and even customers. Hence cyanocobalamin is usually less expensive and less likely to go out of date. Provided they have no reason to avoid cyanocobalamin.

[Jamima in reply to helvella]

Thank you, feel I could sit a test on B12 now.