Whether or not you have heard of methylcobalamin, this vitamin should not be overlooked. Methylcobalamin is quickly becoming more well-known than the other form of vitamin B12, and it is highly likely that it will ultimately come to dominate the supplement market. So what is methylcobalamin?

Methylcobalamin is the active form of the vitamin, also known as cobalamin or vitamin B12. This vitamin is essential to numerous processes within the body, including the generation of red blood cells, the synthesis of DNA, and the maturation of brain and nerve cells.

In this article, we will let you in on everything you need to know about methylcobalamin. You'll learn about

• The function of methylcobalamin
• The health benefits of methylcobalamin
• The recommended dosage for children and adults
• The sources of methylcobalamin
• How to tell if you're in need of methylcobalamin supplementation? 

Methylcobalamin is the activated form of Vitamin B12, which is also known as cobalamin. Vitamin B12 is vital to many bodily processes, such as DNA production, red blood cell formation, and brain and nerve cell development.

The meat we eat is a primary source of Vitamin B12. The hydrochloric acid and stomach digestive enzymes break it down to allow vitamin B12 to be released and to be absorbed by the small intestine.

In addition, methylcobalamin helps injured nerves recover more quickly. It is also involved in the breakdown of an amino acid called methionine. 

Given the significant roles that vitamin B12 plays in the body, methylcobalamin has been linked to a variety of health benefits. 

It plays a role in the prevention of anemia

Thanks to its part in the production of red blood cells, vitamin B12 contributes to the prevention of megaloblastic anemia. If one has low levels of vitamin B12, it results in the abnormal development of red blood cells - they become enlarged and distorted in shape. This altered state will make it more difficult for them to pass through the bloodstream, causing anemia.

It promotes safe and healthy pregnancy

Pregnant women who take adequate vitamin B12 are less likely to have children born with birth abnormalities. According to the findings of one study, pregnant women who lacked enough amounts of vitamin B12 were more likely to have children born with neural tube abnormalities. Furthermore, Inadequate vitamin B12 intake has also been linked to an increased risk of premature birth and miscarriage.

It is good for the bones

Researchers found that those who had low amounts of vitamin B12 also had lower bone mineral density. In addition, it has been demonstrated that women who consume an adequate amount of vitamin B12 have healthier bones and a lower risk of developing osteoporosis than those who do not.

It helps improve your mood

Vitamin B12, along with the other B vitamins, is required for the creation of serotonin. It is a chemical that plays a role in the regulation of mood.

In a study, researchers provided antidepressants and vitamin B12 supplementation to individuals who were exhibiting signs of depression. The treatment led study participants to experience a noticeable alleviation of their symptoms.

It supports memory and brain function.

The growth of the brain, as well as the nerve cells, depends heavily on the presence of vitamin B12 in the body. Therefore, getting the recommended daily allowance of this vitamin can help people improve their memory and slow down the progression of cognitive deterioration.

The recommended dosage for methylcobalamin is based on the Dietary Reference Intakes and varies per age group and sex.

Children

• Infants ages 0-12 months are recommended to have 0.4 to 0.5 mcg of vitamin B12 per day.
• Young children aged 1-8 years old have a dietary allowance of 0.9 to 1.2 mcg per day.
• Older children aged 9-13 are recommended an amount of 1.8 mcg per day.
• Teens 14-18 years old are recommended to take 2.4 mcg per day.

Adults

• Healthy adults aged 19 years and above are expected to have a vitamin B12 intake of 2.4 mcg per day.
• Meanwhile, pregnant and lactating mothers require more vitamin B12. It's 2.6 mcg per day for pregnant women and 2.8 mcg per day for lactating women.

Methylcobalamin is naturally present in a variety of animal food sources. These include

• red meat
• liver
• poultry
• eggs
• milk and other dairy products
• fish, and shellfish.

Vitamin B12 is also present in fortified food products such as breakfast cereals and nutritional yeast.

Even while it is possible to receive the amount of vitamin B12 suggested for daily consumption from the foods you eat, some people have a more significant requirement for it. The following are

Vegans and Vegetarians

People like vegans and vegetarians who do not consume any foods derived from animals have an increased likelihood of lacking vitamin B12.

Consuming foods that have been fortified with vitamin B12 or taking vitamin B12 supplements is recommended for vegans and vegetarians who want to ensure they get an adequate amount of the nutrient.

Older population

As a result of the many conditions that can inhibit their absorption, older persons are at increased risk of suffering from micronutrient deficiencies.

People with pernicious anemia

Pernicious anemia is a medical condition that affects the gastrointestinal mucosa and leads to the malabsorption of vitamin B12. It is one of the most well-known causes of vitamin B12 deficiency, and individuals with this condition are managed with cobalamin supplementation.

People with gastrointestinal diseases

Diseases affecting the stomach and small intestine result in inadequate absorption of vitamin B12. Celiac Disease and Crohn's Disease are among the common disorders which require individuals to consume additional vitamin B12 to prevent a deficiency.

People who have undergone gastrointestinal surgery

Individuals who have undergone surgery in the gastrointestinal tract, such as bariatric surgery, may be able to absorb only a small amount of vitamin B12. Thus, micronutrient supplementation, including vitamin B12, is recommended.

Aside from methylcobalamin, other forms of vitamin B12 supplements that are effective in combating deficiencies are hydroxocobalamin, cyanocobalamin, and adenosylcobalamin.

However, research suggests that the body better absorbs methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin supplements.

Methylcobalamin, often known as vitamin B12, plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal bodily health. Benefits from methylcobalamin range from aiding in the production of red blood cells to preserving the functioning of the brain and nervous system. These also include the prevention of megaloblastic anemia, ensuring safe and healthy pregnancies, maintaining strong bones, regulating mood, and improving memory and brain function.

Vitamin B12 deficiency can be avoided by consuming the required daily intake of the vitamin by both children and adults. There are a variety of animal products that are excellent sources of methylcobalamin. However, supplementation is needed by specific individuals with increased vitamin B12 needs.

There are different forms of vitamin B12 supplements, and you may get confused about which could be the best for you. While some studies favor methylcobalamin, all vitamin B12 supplements can help prevent and treat deficiencies.

Nuzest got you covered for your vitamin needs! Every scoop of Good Green Vitality provides 100mcg of vitamin B12.

Our Good Green Vitality is an excellent source of protein, calcium, chromium, copper, iodine, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, and zinc while also being low in calories!

Furthermore, what's the deal here? Good Green Vitality does not include animal products, gluten, dairy, soy, lectins, or genetically modified organisms. This supplement can be used as nutritional support by anyone over the age of 4.

Before any of our Nuzest products make it to you, they were subjected to third-party testing. We only take the best quality, most cutting-edge nutritional supplements.

Disclaimer: 

The information provided on Nuzest is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided on this site is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please speak to your qualified healthcare professional in the event that something you have read here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.