Avoid Cyanide, Learn about the Safer B12's
Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that our bodies need in order to produce red blood cells, maintain nerve cells, and synthesize DNA. While it is naturally found in animal products like meat, dairy, and eggs, some people may not be able to get enough of this essential vitamin through their diet alone. Fortunately, there are several different types of vitamin B12 supplements available on the market today. Let’s take a closer look at the various forms of this important vitamin and how you can get it into your body.
The Different Forms of Vitamin B12
There are three primary forms of vitamin B12 available as supplements: cyanocobalamin, hydroxocobalamin, and methylcobalamin. All three are effective in providing the body with the necessary amount of this essential vitamin; however, each form has its own unique characteristics.
Cyanocobalamin is the most commonly used form of B12 for dietary supplements because it is highly stable and inexpensive to produce. It is also readily absorbed by the body; however, its stability means that your body must transform it into an active form before using it for its intended purpose. It should be noted that cyanocobalamin contains trace amounts of cyanide which can be toxic if taken in high doses; however, these levels are typically considered safe when taken as directed.
Hydroxocobalamin is another popular form of vitamin B12; however, it is much less common than cyanocobalamin due to its costlier production price tag. This form functions almost identically to cyanocobalamin but does not contain any traces of cyanide which makes it a preferred choice for many people who are sensitive to such chemicals. It also appears to have a longer half-life than other forms so it may be better suited for those who need ongoing supplementation over time.
Methylcobalamin is the third most common form of Vitamin B12 and has been found to be more easily absorbed by the body than either cyanocobalamin or hydroxocoblamin due to its pre-methylated state. This form does not contain any traces of cyanide which makes it an ideal choice for those looking for a non-toxic supplement option. However, since methylcobalamin is more expensive than both hydroxycoblamin and cayonococblamain it may not always be accessible or affordable depending on where you shop for supplements.
Different Methods of taking Vitamin B12
There are a many different ways to meet your vitamin B12 needs. The main source that many people will find B12 at is food such as eggs, meat, poultry, fish and dairy products. However depending on diet choices, some who follow vegan or vegetarian type diets may find it hard to incorporate enough foods that have B12 into such strict diets. If food is not enough to fit your needs then you may look into supplements. B12 supplements provide sufficient levels of B12 to fit many different lifestyles. These supplements can come in different forms such as capsules, softgels, or tablets. The final common way to get your B12 is through injections of the vitamin given via a shot. Although effective, the cost can be much more compared to supplements or food in addition to needing a prescription from your health care provider in order to obtain it.
No matter which type you choose to supplement with, adding additional sources of Vitamin B12 into your diet can help ensure that your body gets enough of this essential nutrient and can even help reduce symptoms associated with deficiency such as fatigue or weakness. So whether you prefer pills or injections, make sure you pay attention to your daily intake and stay up-to-date on what type works best for you!
