Vitamin B12:
Vitamin b12 (cobalamin) is a crucial micronutrient and belongs to the family of B-complex vitamins. Vitamin b12 and b9 (folate) both play a central role in maintaining the functioning capability of body tissues. It is required for the proper development, growth, and functioning of nerve tissues DNA, RNA, and amino acid metabolisms.
Vitamin b12 is naturally present in animal and dietary products such as; meat, fish, eggs, milk, etc. There’re fewer chances adults experience vitamin B12 deficiency except for vegetarians and old people; our body stores it for 4-years.
Different forms of vitamin B12:
Vitamin b12 occurs in four different forms, few are natural, and others are synthetic. Like folate, its functional forms are Adenosylcobalamin and Methylcobalamin. Hence, let’s discuss its all forms in detail.
Adenosylcobalamin:
Adenosylcobalamin is the bio-active form of vitamin b12 that exists naturally and plays a vital role at a cellular level. Adenosylcobalamin reaches cell mitochondria, supports the mitochondria to break down carbohydrates, and produces energy; necessary for the body’s functioning.
Adenosylcobalamin helps in making myelin sheath, which supports and protects the neurons in the brain and body and empowers them to respond immediately to stimuli.
It is also known as coenzyme b12 that function as a cofactor for various enzymes; catalyze the several vital functions of your body.
Methylcobalamin:
Methylcobalamin is another most bio-functional form of vitamin b12, naturally present in animal-based products such as; meat, fish, eggs, poultry, and dairy products. The body readily absorbs it, and its retention rate is higher than other forms.
It helps the brain, liver, neurological system, healthy red blood cells, DNA, and RNA formation. Also, degrade the homocysteine and synthesis methionine with folate.
Methylcobalamin’s significant function is involved in the production of melatonin hormone directly or indirectly. You may know melatonin is a sleeping hormone that regulates your sleeping circadian cycle. Methylcobalamin with adenosylcobalamin covers all the functions of vitamin b12.
It reserves your body’s energy because it already carries the methyl group and saves the energy utilized during the addition of the methyl group.
Cyanocobalamin:
Cyanocobalamin is the synthetic form of vitamin b12 that is the most stable form due to the presence of the cyanide group. It converts into bioactive form Methylcobalamin and Adenosylcobalamin and is ready for use. And it is available at the cheapest price.
Cyanocobalamin contains cyanide group; your body can detoxify; its trace amount can bear your body, but a slightly higher level may lead you to the face of death.
Therefore, talk to your doctor before taking cyanocobalamin.
Hydroxocobalamin:
Hydroxocobalamin is the natural and synthetic form of vitamin b12 and is produced by the activity of microorganisms. It is also produced in the laboratory by bacterial activity. It is extracted from the bacterial body through different challenges. It is changed into methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin in your body.
Hydroxocobalamin is used to treat cyanide poisoning; it converts into a non-toxic form and removes from the body through urine.
The best form of b12 vitamin:
A massive amount of data is available that support Methylcobalamin as the best form of vitamin b12. Because methylfolate participates in various biological functions and does not need to convert into an active form like others. We cannot ignore adenosylcobalamin; it supports energy production where methylcobalamin is not working.
No doubt’s cyanocobalamin is more readily absorbed than methylcobalamin, but its retention rate is lower than methylcobalamin.
Hydroxocobalamin has significance and is used to treat vitamin b12 deficiency and cure cyanide poisoning.
Luckily, these four forms are available as a supplement in the market. Please consult your doctor before using any one form of vitamin b12.
Hence, according to our research, methylcobalamin is the best form of vitamin b12.
Conclusion:
Vitamin b12 is a vital micronutrient that modulates various biological functions of your body. It is available in four forms: Adenosylcobalamin, Methylcobalamin, Cyanocobalamin, and Hydroxocobalamin. Each form has its own significance and plays a crucial role in the human body. However, the most suitable form is methylcobalamin, which regulates various biological systems.