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Methylcobalamin, also known as Methyl-B12 or Mecobalamin, is a form of the common vitamin B12. It differs from typical B12 in that it has an additional methyl group, and contains metal-alkyl bonds.
This vitamin functions in the environment to reduce the toxicity of heavy metals in the air, water, and soil. In the human body, this compound has been found to possess neuro-protective and anti-aging properties.
It supports nerve function and neuron health in the brain and contributes improved signalling in the central nervous system. This is especially true in patients who have degenerative neurological conditions such as those that affect the myelin sheath like multiple sclerosis (MS).
B vitamins are generally recognized for reducing stress factors in the body and mind, and are taken as daily supplements all over the world. In addition to this benefit, Methylcobalamin us being researched for its effects on cancer, Bell’s palsy, chronic fatigue, depression, immune function and heart disease.
Brain Function
Mood & Sleep
Fatigue- Supports brain cell health & nerve function
- Supports sleep, mood & memory
- Regulates healthy homocysteine levels
Top Methylcobalamin Products* ❯Methylcobalamin Effects
Methylcobalamin is the most prevalent coenzyme form of Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) in nature.
The effects of Methyl B12 are largely the same as those of Vitamin B12 and the other forms of cobalamin (Cbl). However, this form may exhibit some unique effects not shared by the other forms.
In addition to cobalamin, the four types of this vitamin are:
- Adenosylcobalamin (Dibencozide, Cobamamide, Cobinamide) – AdoCbl
- Cyanocobalamin – CNCbl
- Hydroxocobalamin – HOCbl
- Methylcobalamin – MeCbl
All forms are differentiated by the side-group attached to the central molecule. Of these, Methyl-CBL and Adoeno-CBL are co-enzymes, which mean that the body needs them to assist with certain chemical reactions.
Vitamin B12 is involved in immune system function, the methylation reaction and plays an important role in the prevention of anemia and proper red blood cell function.
One of the main reasons for taking methylcobalamin supplements is to correct signs of a Vitamin B12 deficiency, which may result due to malabsorption of nutrients or dietary insufficiency.
Vegans and vegetarians are at risk for a Vitamin B 12 deficiency and usually need to take supplements or annual injections to prevent signs and symptoms from developing.
This B-complex vitamin is typically found in foods that contain animal protein, such as dairy products, poultry, fish and meat. Many vegan and vegetarian-friendly foods have been fortified with cobalamin to reduce the signs and symptoms of deficiency.
There are a small number of plant-derived foods that are suitable for vegetarians and contain high amounts of this vitamin. Spinach leaves, dried purple laver (nori), tempe (made from fermented soybeans), and certain mushrooms are known sources.
Brewer’s yeast and nutritional yeast are often enriched with synthetic versions of this co-enzyme.
Methylcobalamin promotes two major effects in the brain which are responsible for its purported neuro-protective, longevity enhancing benefits.
First, the compound eliminates excessive levels of homocysteine in the brain. This substance is often cited as the leading cause of vascular degeneration in the brain.
Homocysteine is an amino acid found in meats and produced in the body by the breakdown of proteins. When homocysteine levels are too high, it may be a sign that the metabolism of methionine to cysteine is not working properly.
Excess levels of this byproduct are linked to a greater risk of heart attack, stroke and plaques forming along damaged arterial walls.
Next, Methylcobalamin improves the health and function of nerves in the brain. It can support the regrowth of damaged nerves and contributes to the maintenance of function that is normally decayed during the aging process.
This vitamin is involved in maintaining the myelin sheath, which is the protective covering that insulates nerve cells and also contributes to nerve function.
Methyl-B12 is also involved in the production of red blood cells, which contain the protein hemoglobin that carries oxygen from the lungs throughout the body.
For people with autoimmune disorders, blood cell conditions like pernicious anemia can lead to immunity issues, chronic fatigue and cognitive impairment.
It also raises the available amount of SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine), the important compound which lifts mood and works as a tricyclic antidepressant.
Benefits
Methyl-B12 is purported to boost immunity throughout various systems of the body, and combat signs of aging at the cellular level. Daily supplementation can support memory function, increased concentration and mental energy.
This vitamin also fights heart disease and lowers excessive homocysteine levels, and is a well-known treatment for anemia. Many people take a B12 supplement for better sleep, and to relieve asthma and allergies. Like other B vitamins, it has been associated with improved mood and stress relief.
In particular, Methylcobalamin provides protection against typical age-related memory loss. For this reason, it is frequently considered one of the essential longevity supplements which might be able to extend human life span.
Due to its nerve-related functions, it also has benefits as a neuropathic pain reliever. Its ability to prevent neurotoxicity and regenerate damaged nerves has been observed to promote pain relief for patients suffering from degenerative diseases such as arthritis and Alzheimer’s Disease.
Expecting mothers may be advised to take a Vitamin B Complex prenatal supplement to reduce the risk of certain birth defects.
Research shows that pregnant women who have low serum levels of Vitamin B12 have an increased risk of giving birth to children with spina bifida (a condition in which the spinal cord does not develop properly.
Dosage
There are several different supplement forms of this vitamin available. Methylcobalamin sublingual lozenges, oral tablets, liquid drops and sprays in dosages of between 500 mcg to 6,000 mcg (0.5 mg to 6 mg) are popular on Amazon.com. Transdermal creams are also available.
Sublingual methylcobalamin is administered by placing it under the tongue where it is absorbed directly into the bloodstream. This form may be recommended to individuals with gastrointestinal disorders as it avoids passage through the small intestine.
Methylcobalamin injections can also be given once a month to individuals with stomach issues. However, the injections tend to be more expensive and do not have any advantages in outcome compared to oral or sublingual supplements.
Most supplements on the market contain either synthetic versions of this vitamin or forms that have been produced in a bacterial culture. Both are suitable for vegetarians and vegans to consume.
For daily stress relief and brain support, Methylcobalamin is typically taken in small doses of 25 mg per day or less. Over consecutive days and weeks, benefits will manifest more strongly.
For acute cases of neuropathy, large doses of up to 40 mg per day may be safely taken under a doctor’s supervision. Methylcobalamin is considered safe across this very large dose range.
For general protection against age-related cognitive decline, even before symptoms have begun to manifest, the appropriate dosage is 1 mg per day. This amount is often combined with similar doses of folic acid and pyridoxine.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Research shows that oral supplementation with methylcobalamin can improve Vitamin B12 status in patients diagnosed with a deficiency.
Deficiencies in B12 are frequently seen to accompany strict vegetarian or vegan diets.
The most common food sources of this vitamin are in animal-based products such as red meats, fish, chicken eggs, milk and dairy products.
A methylmalonic acid test (MMA) is used to determine whether there is a deficiency in B12. Methylmalonate is a waste product that accumulates in the body when there is insufficient levels of this vitamin.
When a deficiency occurs, Methylmalonic Acid begins to build up in the urine. This test is able to detect a deficiency within 10 days of it occurring, making it one of the best early markers.
Deficiency in mecobalamin or folic acid can result in megaloblastic anemia, a condition in which the number of red blood cells circulating is lowered. The bone marrow begins to produce unusually large and abnormal red blood cells called megaloplasts.
This can result in poor oxyegn delivery to your tissues and organs, causing low energy levels, muscle weakness, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, tingling in the hands and feet and other serious health problems.
Traditionally, cobalamin deficiencies were treated by monthly injections which required a patient to visit their doctor. Research now demonstrates that oral supplementation is just as effective as treatment by injection.
The dosage for vegans and vegetarians to prevent a deficiency is up to 100 mg per day. This is in contrast to the low dose of only 3 mg that all humans need for the most basic nerve support.
Treatment for Cobalamin Deficiency
According to Dr. Lisette de Groot of Wageningen University in the Netherlands, the most common cause of deficiency in people who do not follow a vegan diet is impaired nutrient absorption from the gut.
This may be due to a condition affecting the body’s ability to extract cobalamines found in food or from poor translocation through the wall of the small intestine.
Malabsorption can develop in elderly individuals and people diagnosed with certain other disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and bowel.
In these cases, dosages 200x greater than the recommended daily allowance (RDA) may be necessary to alleviate the deficiency.
Check with your health care provider to determine the appropriate dosage for you if you think that you may have a Vitamin B 12 deficiency.
Individuals who use certain medications may also be at risk for a deficiency, potentially due to impairment of the mechanisms by which this nutrient is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
Gastric intrinsic factor (GIF) is a glycoprotein found in the stomach that is necessary for cobalamin to be properly absorbed in the small intestines.
If you are taking a proton pump inhibitor (PPIs) medication for the treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), this could inhibit proper absorption of cobalamin from food or supplements.
The antihyperglycemic medication Metformin used in the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes can also result in a Vitamin B12 deficiency developing.
If you are using these or other medications that interact with Vitamin B12, consult with your doctor to determine whether a methylcobalamin injection or oral supplement is the appropriate treatment for you.
Methylcobalamin vs. Cyanocobalamin
Cyanocobalamin (CB12) is another popular supplemental form of Vitamin B12 often used in B-Complex vitamin supplements.
When supplemented orally, it must first be converted by the body into the active form of methylcobalamin.
There are differing opinions on whether it is better to supplement with MB12 or CB12. In research studies, they seem to exhibit similar effects, although they may accumulate in the body at different rates.
Research shows that mecobalamin is more bioavailable compared to cyanocobalamin dietary supplements, is better absorbed and remains active in the body for a longer duration of time.
Structurally, the main difference is that MB12 contains a methyl group in its molecule, while CB12 contains a cyanide molecule.
When this supplement is metabolized by the body to make Methylcobalamin, the cyanide molecule is released. Cyanide is a compound that is toxic to the body in high dosages.
The amount of cyanide derived from a cyanocobalamin supplement is very low and will not cause adverse effects in the majority of individuals. However, some consumers have expressed concern about using Vitamin B12 supplements in this form due to the presence of this chemical.
In terms of the effects observed when taking these different forms, there is limited data to suggest a significant difference in patient outcomes.
One research study examined the comparative effects of these supplements on sleep cycle (circadian rhythm), feelings of well-being, concentration and alertness in healthy subjects.
20 study participants were given either 3mg of cyanocobalamin or 3mg of methylcobalamin per day, for a total of 14 days.
Both groups saw their blood plasma levels of cobalamin increase over the treatment timeframe. Participants also experienced increased sleep quality, concentration and feeling refreshed in correlation with their Vitamin B12 plasma measurements.
Interestingly, this study found that sleep time was decreased and that there was greater activity between the hours of 11 PM (23:00) and 7 AM (07:00). Even though participants slept for a shorter duration of time, they experienced a positive effect on alertness and sleep quality.
Side Effects
For most people, a daily Methylcobalamin supplement within moderate dosage guidelines is generally regarded as safe and without any serious side effects.
Some of the side effects reported in user reviews include:
- Diarrhea or Stomach Discomfort
- Skin Rash, Itching or Hives
- Allergic reactions including swelling of the lips, face or tongue
- Shortness of Breath
- Chest Pain or Tightness
- Increased Heart Rate
- Irregular or Racing Heart Beat
In rare cases or at very high doses, the vitamin can cause dangerous blood clots, tachycardia, allergic reactions, or diarrhea.
People with blood cell issues such as polycythemia or anemia should consult with a doctor or health care provider before beginning Methylcobalamin therapy.
The supplement can cause unique side effects in these patients which must be monitored by a doctor.
Methylcobalamin vitamin pills may interact with other drugs or substances including alcohol, aminosalicylic acid, colchicine or chloramphenicol. Check with a healthcare practitioner before using this supplement if you are on any medication.
The vitamin can generally be applied as a topical paste to the skin without any adverse reactions whatsoever. In some unique cases, a pre-exiting allergy or hypersensitivit to B12 vitamins may cause a rash.
Supplement Review
Like all of the B vitamins, Methylcobalamin has strong anti-stress properties. However, vitamin B12 also supports cognitive function. It strengthens nerve cell structure, protects cells from age-related decay and illness, and guards brain cells against glutamate toxicity, the leading cause of brain cell death over time.
Methyl-B12 has improved motor control in MS patients, exhibits anti-cancer effects and may have longevity-promoting benefits in all humans.
All B vitamins are well-tolerated and important for many basic physical and neurological functions. For this reason, Methyl-B12 may be added B-vitamin therapies already in place (at the discretion of your healthcare practitioner).
- Kim HI, Hyung WJ, Song KJ, Choi SH, Kim CB, Noh SH. Oral vitamin B12 replacement: an effective treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency after total gastrectomy in gastric cancer patients. Ann Surg Oncol. 2011 Dec;18(13):3711-7.
- Obeid R, Fedosov SN, Nexo E. Cobalamin coenzyme forms are not likely to be superior to cyano- and hydroxyl-cobalamin in prevention or treatment of cobalamin deficiency. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2015 Jul;59(7):1364-72.
- Tudhope GR, Swan HT, Spray GH. Patient variation in pernicious anaemia, as shown in a clinical trial of cyanocobalamin, hydroxocobalamin and cyanocobalamin-zinc tannate. Br J Haematol. 1967 Mar;13(2):216-28.
- Donaldson MS. Metabolic vitamin B12 status on a mostly raw vegan diet with follow-up using tablets, nutritional yeast, or probiotic supplements. Ann Nutr Metab. 2000;44(5-6):229-34. The subjects receiving methylcobalamin was only a small part of this paper, mentioned on p. 232.
- Kelly G. The co-enzyme forms of vitamin B12: Toward an understanding of their therapeutic potential. Alt Med Rev. 1997;2(6):459-471.
- Okuda K, Yashima K, Kitazaki T, Takara I. Intestinal absorption and concurrent chemical changes of methylcobalamin. J Lab Clin Med. 1973 Apr;81(4):557-67.
- Kelly G. The co-enzyme forms of vitamin B12: Toward an understanding of their therapeutic potential. Alt Med Rev. 1997;2(6):459-471.
Article last updated on: April 30th, 2018 by Nootriment
17 Comments
Can Methyl CpG cause thinning of the blood causing brusing as in people taking blood thinner.
Hi Gwen,
Thanks for your question. According to the Drugs.com interaction checker, there is no known interaction between Methyl B12 and blood thinners like Warfarin.
This does not seem to be a documented side effect of Methylcobalamin, but that does not necessarily mean that might not affect clotting or thinning indirectly.
Amankah untuk dikonsumsi anak autis PDD-NOS anak sy lahir 10-11-2011 kembar identik laki-laki
For someone with numbness in fingers and feet. 85 yrs old lady, low in vit b12 for 10 years. having injection and does not work
We had not heard og methyl B12
Hi. It does work. Don’t know how often you are injecting because that makes a huge difference. My specI a list put me only weekly shots for 6 weeks and then monthly……sometimes we I’m run down i go back to weekly. Once it’s built up in my system I notice a rapid improvement within 45 minutes. Love the stuff.
thanks for the info, explaination easily comprehensible and is completely
useful. will use this site in the future for any other difficulties.
I had someone tell me I should be taking cyanocobalamin, not methylcobalamin. What could be the reason for this? Is there really any reason to prefer one versus the other?
Hey Jennifer,
Great question! Cyanocobalamin has to be converted into Methylcobalamin or Adenosylcobalamin before it becomes active in the body.
This would suggest that it is better to supplement directly with Methylcobalamin and for some indications this appears to be the case.
However, some believe that Cyanocobalamin is more stable in supplement form and has the benefit of being cheaper and more widely available as a dietary supplement.
There is little clinical evidence to make this determination on.
My son has chiil blains in feet n hands will it work for him
Do mecobalmine effect in some sexual dysfunction like erectil dysfunction.
Hi Khan,
Thanks for your question. There is some evidence suggesting that a combination of 3000mcg of methylfolate and 3000mcg of methylcobalamin can support erectile function and sexual health.
The FDA has not approved methylcobalamin as a drug for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, so we can’t way that it can help this medical condition.
Can taking 1 tablet of TANZ which contains 150 MCG of Methylcobalamin for 5 yrs result in excessive level of vitamin B12 (1647 pg/ml). If the tablet is stopped how long will it take to reach normal level. Can the excessive level be due to some other cause and if so what can be the causes.
Pl reply.
Thanks Mrs Patell
are all forms of methylcobalamin vegan friendly or are certain forms not okay for vegans?
Hey Patty,
Methylcobalamin is regularly used to improve Vitamin B12 status in vegans and vegetarians. M
Some forms of this supplement will be synthetically manufactured and are therefore vegan-friendly.
Other forms may be grown in bacterial cultures such as Streptomyces griseus, Propionibacterium shermanii or Pseudomonas denitrificans. Depending on your personal views on veganism, these forms may or may not be appropriate for you.
Can Methylcobalamin cause constipation by preventing your bowel from contracting to expel your stool? I have been having problems with constipation of this description since early July 2017, and when I reflect, I started taking Methylcobalamin B12 , Neurologically Active Form of Vitamin B12, 1 mg
Sometimes 2 mg per day at the beginning of June 2017. I am still having the problem. Please reply and advise. Thank you.
Grace T.
Hi Grace,
I am finding conflicting data on this. Some sources suggest that deficiency in B12 can cause constipation, but there are a number of self-reported cases of people experiencing constipation following use of this supplement. In some cases, it may be linked to the specific form of the product that you are using and any additional ingredients used in the supplement.
I hope that information is useful to you.
my folic acid level is always very high and so is my homosytene levels my hair loss is diffusive and thinng all over i am a male 51 this has been happenning for 20 years. Should i supplement with methylcobalamin and ar what dosage for how long Thanks