Cyanocobalamin vs. Methylcobalamin

( current breakdown done for Cyanocobalamin ) 

Cyanocobalamin

The molecule that is attached to the cobalamin is called a donor. The two most common donors in supplements are cyanide (making the type of B12 known as cyanocobalamin, or cyano B12) and methyl (making what’s known as methylcobalamin, or methyl B12)

Methylcobalamin is one of the two active forms of vitamin B12. It reduces homocysteine and generates SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine), the most crucial methyl donor we have. In other words, it supplies methyl groups for the crucial chemical reactions we discussed.

Cyano B12 is a cheap, synthetic, slightly-toxic, inactive form of B12 that is made with a cyanide donor and is used commercially. It’s the most stable form, because the cyanide molecule has the greatest attraction to the cobalamin, thus protecting it from conditions like high temperatures. Cyano B12, however, doesn’t absorb well and requires a methyl group to detoxify it before it can ever convert to a useful form.

When cyano B12 does absorb, it converts to hydroxo B12 (hopefully discarding of the cyanide in the process). Then, it converts to methyl B12 and adenosyl B12. Taken orally, cyano B12 absorption is drastically reduced if you have any gastric acid issues.

We can’t recommend this form to anyone.

Sure it’s cheap, but it comes with a hidden price. Again, before it can be converted to an active form that you can use and absorb, your body must use a methylation reaction to cleave the cyanide out. This decyanation process is demanding

Methylcobalamin

Methylcobalamin is one of the two active forms of vitamin B12. It reduces homocysteine and generates SAMe (S-adenosyl methionine), the most crucial methyl donor we have. In other words, it supplies methyl groups for the crucial chemical reactions we discussed.

Where methyl B12 shows its greatest utility is with people suffering from degenerative neurological symptoms, where it’s often the only promising treatment. It bypasses several potential issues in the absorption cycle and helps relieve or reverse symptoms. It is the best form to help regenerate nerves and treat peripheral neuropathies.

High doses of methyl B12 have been used to treat amytropic lateral sclerosis and Parkinson’s. It also improves visual and auditory symptoms in multiple sclerosis, and it improves memory and intellectual function in Alzheimer’s patients.