What is methyl in b12?

The key difference between methyl B12 and B12 is that methyl B12 has an adenosyl ligand in the vitamin B12 structure replaced by a methyl functional group, whereas B12 or vitamin B12 contains an adenosyl functional group attached to the metal center.

The term B12 stands for vitamin B12. However, methyl B12 is a derivative of vitamin B12, which has a methyl group at the place of the adenosyl group of the vitamin B12 molecule.

1. Overview and Key Difference 2. What is Methyl B12 3. What is B12 4. Methyl B12 vs B12 in Tabular Form 5. Summary – Methyl B12 vs B12

Methyl B12 or methylcobalamin is a type of cobalamin. Cobalamin is another name for vitamin B12. This compound is different from cyanocobalamin in the way that the cyano group of cobalt is replaced with a methyl group. The methylcobalamin chemical structure has an octahedral cobalt(II) metallic center. This substance appears as bright red-colored crystals. According to coordination chemistry, this substance is a rare compound consisting of metal-alkyl bonds.

Physiologically, methyl B12 is equivalent to vitamin B12. We can use it to prevent or treat conditions that arise from a lack of vitamin B12 intake – vitamin B12 deficiency. Moreover, this substance is useful in treating peripheral neuropathy, diabetic neuropathy, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

The trade name of methyl B12 is Cobalamin. The major routes of administration for this medication include oral administration, sublingual, and injection. If it is ingested, then it is not used directly as a cofactor. First, it converts into cob(II)alamin by MMACHC. Later, it is converted into two other forms known as adenosylcobalamin and methylcobalamin.

We can produce methylcobalamin in a laboratory through the reduction of cyanocobalamin along with sodium borohydride in the presence of an alkaline solution. This reaction should be followed by the addition of methyl iodide.

Methyl B12 can involve in the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway that is important for some organisms to use carbon dioxide as the source of organic compounds. In this process, the methyl group in the methyl B12 couples with carbon monoxide.

B12 or cobalamin is a water-soluble vitamin that is involved in metabolism. It is important as a cofactor in DNA synthesis and in both fatty acid and amino acid metabolism. Moreover, this substance has a significant role in the normal functioning of the nervous system through its role in the synthesis of myelin. In addition, it has a role in the maturation of red blood cells in the bone marrow.

Vitamin B12 deficiency can occur in developed countries due to impaired absorption that is caused by loss of intrinsic gastric factors. This factor must be bound to a food source consisting of vitamin B12 for the absorption to take place. Another major cause of vitamin B12 deficiency is an age-related decline in stomach acid production. This is because acid exposure can free the protein-bound vitamins.

When considering the medical uses of vitamin B12 compounds, it is important in repletion of deficiency and in treating cyanide poisoning. We can correct several vitamin B12 deficiencies using frequent intramuscular injections of large doses of the vitamin. This has to be followed by the maintenance of doses of injections or oral dosing at long intervals. During cyanide poisoning, we can use a large amount of hydroxocobalamin intravenously, mostly in combination with sodium thiosulfate. Then the toxic cyanide ion displaces the hydroxycobalamin hydroxide ligand, which results in the formation of nontoxic cyanocobalamin that can be excreted through urine.

The term B12 stands for vitamin B12. However, methyl B12 is a derivative of vitamin B12, which has a methyl group at the place of the adenosyl group of the vitamin B12 molecule. The key difference between methyl B12 and B12 is that methyl B12 has the adenosyl ligand in the vitamin B12 structure replaced by a methyl functional group, whereas B12 or vitamin B12 contains an adenosyl functional group attached to the metal center.

The below infographic presents the differences between methyl B12 and B12 in tabular form for side by side comparison.

Methyl B12 or methylcobalamin is a type of cobalamin. B12 or cobalamin is a water-soluble vitamin that is involved in metabolism. The key difference between methyl B12 and B12 is that methyl B12 has the adenosyl ligand in the vitamin B12 structure replaced by a methyl functional group, whereas B12 or vitamin B12 contains an adenosyl functional group attached to the metal center.

1. Smith, Michael W. “Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment.” WebMD, WebMD, 3 May 2021.

1. “Methylcobalamin” By Alsosaid1987 – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia 2. “Cyanocobalamin-from-xtal-3D-st-noH” By Ben Mills – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia

Methylcobalamin is a naturally occurring form of vitamin B12 (also known as cobalamin). This vitamin plays essential roles in your body, including in DNA production, forming red blood cells, and ensuring your nervous system is functioning properly.

A vitamin B12 supplement can be taken to aid in a person’s well-being, especially if they are at risk of a vitamin B12 deficiency. Two of the most common chemical forms are methylcobalamin and cyanocobalamin. To have a better understanding of the benefits of vitamin B12, check out our previous post: What are the benefits of vitamin B12?

Cyanocobalamin is an artificial form of vitamin B12 not found in nature. The body must convert cyanocobalamin into an active form of adenosylcobalamin and methylcobalamin before it can be used.

Cyanocobalamin is mostly found in supplements and some fortified foods such as bread, snack bars, breakfast cereals, daily, and milk. It is considered more stable and cost-effective than other forms of vitamin B12.

Methylcobalamin is the vitamin B12 that is absorbed the easiest in the body. Since it is naturally occurring, it can be found in animal-based food sources such as meat, eggs, fish, and milk.

This makes it readily available for people’s daily diets. Methylcobalamin is the most active form of vitamin B12 and, for best results, should be combined with adenosylcobalamin.

Adenosylcobalamin, much like methylcobalamin, is a naturally occurring compound form of vitamin B12. Adenosylcobalamin works together with methylcobalamin to cover most of your vitamin B12 needs.

Adenosylcobalamin is a key component of the insulated layer that protects the nerve cells and enables them to respond quickly to stimuli.

Hydroxocobalamin is naturally produced by bacteria in the digestive tract when food sources are broken down. It can also be developed in a laboratory. Hydroxocobalamin in supplement form is only available with a prescription and is usually given as a B12 injection. When converted by the body into adenosylcobalamin and methylcobalamin, it is ready for the cells to absorb and use it.

The two most common forms of vitamin B12 supplements you are likely to come across is cyanocobalamin and methylcobalamin. Both can be converted into other forms of vitamin B12 when ingested.

People sometimes ask which of the two supplements is better – the artificial (cyanocobalamin) or naturally occurring (methylcobalamin). Studies have shown that cyanocobalamin is known to absorb slightly better within the body while methylcobalamin is considered to retain better and for longer. Both are excellent at providing nutritional value of vitamin B12 to the body.

The amount of daily vitamin B12 recommended is primarily based on age, although studies have shown that a person’s lifestyle such as vegans and vegetarians, tobacco users, and obesity are at a higher risk of developing a B12 deficiency.

Cyanocobalamin is the form of B12 most used in supplements because it is the cheapest, however, methylcobalamin is rapidly gaining popularity. Research has shown that vitamin B12 taken by mouth or as a muscular B12 injection is equally effective at restoring B12 levels in people with a deficiency.

If you are wondering which of the two vitamin B12 supplements is best for you, cyanocobalamin or methylcobalamin, the answer is to contact a medical professional. Since there are many elements that can affect the body’s ability to ingest substances, it would be in your best interest to consult with your doctor.

A vitamin B12 deficiency can increase the risk of neurological issues and adverse side effects. It can also lead to anemia. People who are anemic might experience soreness in the mouth or tongue, weight loss, diarrhea, and much more. An insufficient level of vitamin B12 can become too low to meet the demands of the body. Therefore, if left untreated may progress to irreversible neurological issues.

See also: What are the Side Effects of Vitamin B12 Shots?

Vitamin B12 is a substance required for effective human metabolism and overall health. If you think you have a vitamin B12 deficiency, contact Dr. Corwin A Thomas today to schedule an appointment to see if you are a candidate for B12 injections in Lafayette, LA. Dr. Thomas will also work with you to formulate the best course of a treatment plan to optimize your health.

Our staff is well-trained and highly qualified to handle a variety of medical needs that affect your heart. Our passion bleeds into their care.

Contact us today!

Sources: