Methylcobalamin Health Benefits, Effects and Safety Review

Methylcobalamin, which is the active form of vitamin B12, is used to support brain health, energy and healthy homocysteine levels. It is commonly used to prevent signs of a Vitamin B12 deficiency.

Certain populations are at a greater risk of being deficient in Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin). Vegetarians and others who do not eat animal products tend to have low levels, which can lead to anemia and symptoms such as memory loss, depression, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, diarrhea and fatigue.

Vitamin B12 supplements are known to have low bioavailability and poor absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. Methylcobalamin and vitamin B12 differ in that methylcobalamin contains cobalt that is joined to a methyl group. The presence of this methyl group is what makes this form of vitamin B12 metabolically active in the body.

Methylcobalamin supplements are purported to have a number of benefits including support for cognitive function, neuron health, nerve cell growth and healthy homocysteine levels. Most of the evidence for methylcobalamin benefits is based on research for Vitamin B12,

Methylcobalamin

Vitamin Supplement

Brain Function

Mood & Sleep

Fatigue

How It Works:

• Supports brain cell health & nerve function
• Supports sleep, mood & memory
• Regulates healthy homocysteine levels

Dosage:

Between 1 - 25 mcg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Methylcobalamin Health Benefits

Endogenous methylcobalamin is involved in a number of important physiological processes, from nerve cell growth to methylation reactions. Methyl B12 plays a neuroprotective role in the brain and may support mental performance.

Methylcobalamin supplements are purported to support overall health and well-being by promoting optimal levels of cobalamin and preventing vitamin B12 deficiencies.

According to Life Extension, as we age our bodies become less effective at absorbing Vitamin B12 from foods that we eat. This has been attributed to reduced levels of stomach acid secretion.

When Vitamin B12 is not available in sufficient amounts, it can impair energy metabolism resulting in fatigue, and may contribute to poor vision health. Deficiencies can also negatively affect neuronal function and may cause mental problems like depression, behavioral changes and memory loss.

May vegetarians and vegans get injections of this vitamin from their doctors to prevent deficiency, but others prefer to avoid injections. A 2003 paper that appeared in American Family Physician showed that taking oral supplements that contain vitamin B12 has the same degree of effectiveness for deficiencies as injections. [1]

Methylcobalamin supplements might also be effective for increasing energy levels. Vitamin B12 is needed in order to turn carbohydrates into glucose, which supplies the body with energy.

Methylcobalamin supplements may reduce the risk of heart disease that is linked to homocysteine buildup, according to a 2014 article published in Harvard Health Publications. [2]

Vitamin B12, along with folic acid and vitamin B6, helps reduce the amount of homocysteine in the body, which prevents it from becoming elevated.

Methylcobalamin Benefits for Neuropathy

Neuropathy is defined as a dysfunction of one or more peripheral nerves, sometimes causing pain, weakness and numbness. It is sometimes the result of nerve damage linked to diabetes.

Methylcobalamin supplements are considered possibly effective for reducing pain caused by diabetic neuropathy, according to a 2013 study that appeared in Neural Plasticity. [3]

Taking these supplements orally or intravenously for as long as 4 months might reduce pain and autonomic symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, according to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. [4]

Methylcobalamin Benefits for Skin

Methylcobalamin supplements might help support healthy skin, hair and nails. The body needs vitamin B12 for cell reproduction in order to replace dead or damaged cells for healthy skin, nails and hair, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. [5]

Having adequate levels of vitamin B12 helps ensure that new cells are made on a regular basis.

Methylcobalamin Benefits for the Brain

Methylcobalamin supplements have been shown to promote brain health and exhibit neuroprotective effects. Some consumers take this supplement to fight signs of aging that can negatively affect cognitive performance.

A 2008 study published in Neurology found that older adults between 61 and 87 years old with low levels of vitamin B12 experienced a decrease in brain volume and cognitive impairment. [6]

However, the FDA has not approved methylcobalamin as a treatment or preventative measure for age-related cognitive decline. The Natural Medicines Database rates Vitamin B12 as Possibly Ineffective for improving cognitive function, but they do not have a rating specifically for the better-absorbed methylcobalamin supplements.

Methylcobalamin has also been studied for its effects on symptoms of depression. Vitamin B12 is involved with the production of serotonin and other brain chemicals that have an impact on mood.

Taking vitamin B supplements might help ensure that the body is able to produce adequate levels of serotonin, dopamine and other brain chemicals, although the exact role of this vitamin in depression is not fully understood, according to the Mayo Clinic. [7]

Methylcobalamin Benefits During Pregnancy

Having adequate levels of vitamin B12 in the body is important for women who are pregnant or nursing. This vitamin is passed through breast milk, and it has the ability to cross the placenta during pregnancy.

Not having enough vitamin B12 can lead to deficiencies in infants. When these deficiencies are not detected and treated, infants can experience serious neurological damage, according to the National Institutes of Health. [8] In some cases, this damage can be permanent.

Pregnant or nursing women who have an increased risk of having a vitamin B12 deficiency include those who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet. Vitamin B12 typically comes from animal sources, such as meat, fish and eggs.

Deficiencies in vitamin B12 are also associated with a higher risk of gestational diabetes in pregnant women, according to a 2009 study published in Diabetologia. [9]

Taking methylcobalamin supplements might help lower the risk of gestational diabetes by ensuring that pregnant women have adequate amounts of vitamin B12 in their body.

However, you should consult with a doctor to determine whether these supplements are appropriate for you if you are pregnant.

Risks of Methylcobalamin

Methylcobalamin supplements are generally considered safe, although they can cause nausea in some people.

This supplement can also affect certain medical conditions. Its use may be contraindicated for individuals with high blood pressure, vitamin B12 allergies or sensitivities, cobalt allergies or sensitivities, heart problems, gout, low serum levels of potassium or skin disorders.

Those who have one or more of these conditions or any underlying medical conditions should check with their doctor before using methylcobalamin supplements.

Supplements containing methylcobalamin might be safe for pregnant women when they are taken in moderate amounts. Dosages should not exceed the recommended dietary amount for pregnant women, which is 2.6 mcg per day, according to the Mayo Clinic. [10]

There is not enough data to determine the safety of larger amounts of methylcobalamin taken during pregnancy.

Methylcobalamin supplements can interact with some types of medications, such as drugs that are used for treating high blood pressure, gout, stomach disorders, bone loss and seizures. Consumers who take these medications should talk to their doctor about potential interactions before taking methylcobalamin for health benefits.

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