Methylcobalamin Uses in the Body and the Brain

Methylcobalamin is the active form of vitamin B12, an essential vitamin that the body is unable to make on its own. Vitamin B12 comes from several food sources, including meat, eggs, dairy products and fish. Some cereals and other foods are also fortified with this vitamin.

Vitamin B12 is needed in order for red blood cells to form. It is also involved in neurological function and the synthesis of DNA. Having inadequate levels of this vitamin can result in anemia and cause symptoms such as fatigue, heart palpitations, depression, diarrhea and memory loss.

Those who have a condition that affects the absorption of vitamin B12, such as pernicious anemia, Crohn’s disease or immune system disorders, are at risk of having a deficiency.

Nutritional deficiencies of vitamin B12 can be corrected with the help of methylcobalamin supplements or intramuscular injections. These products are also used for other health-boosting purposes.

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 B12 Uses

What is methylcobalamin used for? One of the primary uses of methylcobalamin supplements is to manage pernicious anemia and reduce the risk of a vitamin B12 deficiency.

It is administered by taking supplements orally or receiving intramuscular injections of methylcobalamin. Other uses for methylcobalamin injections include fatigue, shaky-leg syndrome, psoriasis, kidney disease and liver disease.

According to the Natural Medicines Database, Methyl B12 supplements are also used for heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and tendonitis. Other uses include managing Alzheimer’s disease, psychiatric disorders, memory loss and sleep disorders that are associated with circadian rhythm.

However, the FDA has not approved methylcobalamin as a treatment for these conditions. More research is needed to determine efficacy for these clinical applications.

Methylcobalamin supplements have also been used for allergies, asthma, canker sores and tinnitus. Some people also use these supplements in order to increase energy levels, improve concentration and improve their mood.

Methylcobalamin Effects

Methylcobalamin is physiologically equivalent to Vitamin B12 and can fulfill many of the same roles of this molecule in the body.

It is involved in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine, the stimulation of serotonin production in the brain, the formation of red blood cells, the protection of DNA and RNA and healthy immune function.

Supplements that contain methylcobalamin provide a highly bioavailable form of vitamin B12, as opposed to as opposed to cyanocobalamin.

Cyanocobalamin must be converted into methylcobalamin first in order to work effectively, according to the National Institutes of Health. [1] Methylcobalamin supplements offer a faster rate of absorption than B12 supplements that contain cyanocobalamin.

Methylcobalamin supplements and injections are considered effective at managing pernicious anemia and correcting vitamin B12 deficiencies, according to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. [2]

A 2003 paper published in American Family Physician showed that oral supplementation of vitamin B12 is just as effective at treating deficiencies as intramuscular injections. [3]

However, a higher dosage amount is typically needed. Injections are given directly into muscles, where they can begin to go into effect immediately, while oral supplements must pass through the stomach before taking effect.

These supplements might also be effective at reducing pain in those with lower back pain, diabetic neuropathic pain, neck pain and other types of pain, according to a 2013 study published in Neural Plasticity. [4] However, more research is needed to show sufficient evidence of effectiveness for diabetic neuropathy.

Methylcobalamin supplements are rated as possibly ineffective for sleep disorders, stroke and cognitive function. There is insufficient evidence to show whether these supplements are effective for Alzheimer’s disease, fatigue, atopic dermatitis and canker sores, according to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. [5]

How to Take Methylcobalamin Supplements

Methylcobalamin supplements are available as oral supplements and injections. Injections are typically delivered into the muscles, while tablets, capsules, drops, and other forms are taken by mouth.

These supplements can be purchased from Amazon and other online retailers or at stores that carry high quality dietary supplements.

Methylcobalamin supplements are generally considered safe to take in amounts that do not exceed the recommended dietary amount of 2.4 micrograms.

For older adults, taking between 25 to 100 micrograms of these supplements per day might be safe, but it is important to consult a doctor before doing using this product, according to the Mayo Clinic. [6]

The dosage that is needed for managing or preventing anemia varies based on health, age and other factors. Those who want to use methylcobalamin supplements should talk to their doctor first in order to determine a safe dosage.

Methylcobalamin cannot be used as a complete substitute for Vitamin B12 (cobalamin), because it cannot be converted into the molecule adenosylcoblamin. Only Hydroxocobalamin and cyanocobalamin can be converted into this form of B12.

For this reason, Vitamin B12 deficiency is usually treated with a combination of different forms of cobalamin, including methylcobalamin and adenosylcoblamin.

Side Effects of Methylcobalamin

Methylcobalamin supplements generally well tolerated and pose a low risk of serious side effects in healthy adults. There are some side effects that are associated with these products, including nausea.

Those with certain medical conditions should use caution when taking these supplements due to the risk of adverse reactions. These conditions include heart problems, low serum levels of potassium, gout, skin disorders, high blood pressure and an allergy or sensitivity to cobalt or vitamin B12.

Methylcobalamin supplements are rated as possibly safe for pregnant women to take in amounts that do not exceed the recommended dietary amount. The risks of taking larger amounts during pregnancy are not known.

Methylcobalamin supplements have the potential to interact with some medications. These include medications that are used to manage gout, bone loss, high blood pressure, gastrointestinal disorders and anti-seizure drugs.

Those who take medication and plan on taking these supplements should see their doctor first. Their doctor can determine if methylcobalamin supplements are safe to use.

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