With so many options for vitamin B12 supplements available, how do you know which option is best for you?  Not only do you have to choose between oral supplements, IV therapies and injections, you also need to consider which form of vitamin B12 is best.  Here's some information to help weigh the pros and cons of the most popular forms of vitamin B12 - Methylcobalamin vs Cyanocobalamin.

Vitamin B12 Injections: What's the Difference Between Methylcobalamin and Cyanocobalamin?

B Vitamins are essential nutrients that our bodies use to convert food into energy. Most people know B vitamins are critical to staying energized, but the individual B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, etc.) offer different benefits. For example, some improve skin and hair health while others can enhance memory.

Compared to its counterparts, vitamin B12 plays a significant role—its metabolic enhancing properties play an active part in the formation of red blood cells, metabolic function, and more. Without B12, humans wouldn’t be able to function at a cellular level much less have the energy to get up off the couch. 

Vitamin B12 and Weight Loss

Vitamin B12 injections are a great addition to any weight loss or health and wellness regimen. Vitamin B12 boosts energy by contributing to ATP production—a primary source of energy. When you eat, your body stores some of it for later use as energy. Your body converts that stored energy into ATP through the assistance of B12 and other functions. However, if your B12 is low, this process is severely hindered. When you don’t use the stored energy, your body converts it to fat, leading to unwanted weight gain. 

Which is the Best B12 Source?

There are multiple sources of B12 available on the market, but some are much more effective than others are. While some people may have heard of cyanocobalamin and methylcobalamin, there is also hydroxocobalamin and adenosylcobalamin. The latter two receive less attention for several reasons.

Hydroxocobalamin may be one of the most bioavailable forms of B12; however, it lacks FDA approval despite support from the World Health Organization (WHO). The absence of FDA endorsement alone is enough to make many wary of this source of B12 despite positive research. Meanwhile, adenosylcobalamin lack stability and is incredibly difficult to translate into supplement form.

What are the Health Benefits of Methylcobalamin and Cyanocobalamin?

With the previous sources of vitamin B12 lacking endorsement or stability, this leaves methylcobalamin and cyanocobalamin as the top two contenders for B12 supplementation. While they are the most commonly available B12 supplements, both have slight differences.

Cyanocobalamin

When perusing pharmacy shelves, many shoppers gravitate toward cyanocobalamin sources of vitamin B12 because it costs less. However, this reduced cost comes with a few caveats. This is the inactive form of B12 and has the poorest bioavailability—hence the lower price tag. It also relies on a cyanide molecule to convert. Although this limited amount of cyanide is not enough to cause damage, the body does have to spend energy to convert and remove it. Seeing as B12 is meant to boost energy, this process can be a little redundant.

In addition to poor bioavailability (its conversion rate hovers around 1%), the process of detoxifying the cyanide molecule puts a strain on glutathione reserves in the body. If individuals are supplementing with cyanocobalamin on a regular basis, they could deplete these reserves. This can create health issues for individuals with kidney failure. However, this isn’t a concern for individuals with good renal function.

Methylcobalamin

As this is the active form of vitamin B12, it doesn’t require an extra conversion step, allowing for maximum bioavailability. This means it is able to provide B12 benefits faster and with greater efficacy. Methylcobalamin benefits weight loss efforts in particular because it enhances metabolic function, improves fat and protein metabolism, and provides a boost of energy to improve your workouts. All of these factors contribute to faster, more impressive weight loss.

Why Methylcobalamin B12 Injections?

Vitamin B12 supplements are available over the counter in tablet or pill form; however, it can be difficult to ascertain if they are methylcobalamin or cyanocobalamin. In addition, Methylcobalamin injections provide B12 straight to the bloodstream, meaning individuals see the effects faster.

Who Can Benefit from Methylcobalamin B12 Injections?

While those looking to lose weight can see great results with methylcobalamin injections, numerous others can reap benefits as well. For example, most food sources of B12 are animal-based, meaning vegetarians and vegans may have a difficult time obtaining enough of this essential nutrient. Methylcobalamin is also great for improving cognition, bone health, and more, making it a great option for individuals looking to improve their overall health. 

Methylcobalamin B12 Injection Side Effects

As vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient, most people don’t experience side effects from B12 injections. However, individuals with Vitamin B12 deficiencies or anemia can develop a condition of low potassium, which often presents as fatigue or anxiety. When taking high dose methylcobalamin injections, individuals should be sure to increase their electrolyte consumption as well to avoid this issue. 

How to Buy Methylcobalamin B12 Injections Online

Purchasing methylcobalamin B12 injections online is safe, easy and convenient.

Start by scheduling a wellness consultation which conveniently takes place over the phone. Consultations with TeleWellness providers last around 15 minutes and give you the opportunity to discuss your health concerns and wellness goals. From there, our providers will make program recommendations and prescribe therapies appropriate to your needs which you can safely and easily refill online.

Learn more about our vitamin injection therapies and how they can improve your health and wellness here or download one of our free guides.

More posts for you:

Vitamin B12 and stress

Oral supplements, IV therapy or vitamin injections: which is best?

About TeleWellnessMD

CLICK HERE to browse our products.

TelewellnessMD® provides consulting and program recommendations for general health, age management, nutrition and other wellness healthcare needs through an online platform and network of wellness medical providers. Trim® Nutrition’s product line includes vitamins, supplements and protein shakes manufactured in CGMP facilities and proprietary nutrient injections compounded in a certified licensed pharmacy using the highest quality ingredients. Headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, Trim® Nutrition’s clinical staff of physicians, pharmacists, registered nurses, and research and development specialists are dedicated to the mission of Making Bodies Better™.