b12 - hydroxocobalamin

[nopain]

Does anyone here have experience with this forum of B12 either through injection, but more interestingly through Oral Supplementation.

Can you recommend a brand?

I have found a brand called PERQUE, but it appears that like Standard Process Vitamins their marketing plan is to market through Physicians.

Comments?

There is some belief that this is better absorbed then methylcobalamin.

If hydroxocobalamin is so much better why are we not finding it more often?

[rose]

But hydroxycobalamin is better than cyanocobalamin. Cyanocobalamin is marketed most because it is cheap and has been around for about 1/2 a century.

Back in the days before I learned about methylcobalamin, I used oral PURE hydroxycobalamin for a while (1000 mcg).

Methylcobalamin first choice, hydroxocobalamin next, cyanocobalamin last.

The key is to take a large enough dose (at least 1000 mcg, in case you might malabsorb severely). Also, if you want to get the most out of it, take it alone.

rose

http://roseannster.googlepages.com/home

[nopain]

What I read is the Hydro version is readily and easily converted to Methyl as needed thus lasts longer in the body... suposedly making it more useful. The Methyl being the "active" form, but excess removed from the body quicker. And the cyano being the least effective and potentially problematic over long time supplementation due to cyanide.

So the question I had is if there is any real benefit to the Hydro version over the Methyl version... much in the way a time release capsule would work?

[mrsdoubtfyre]

site that discusses this a little bit:

http://mailman1.u.washington.edu/pipermail/phnutr-l/2006-April/007774.html

Anything that requires conversion may fail. I guess that is why it we see the emphasis on the methyl form.

There are about 25 folate polymorphisms on record now. That is quite a few
genetic errors for just that one nutrient.

For those low on B12 (and not knowing the exact cause) using a form that
requires conversion to active, is just not the best way to go. Since one is
taking it orally anyway everyday, a "pool" is not really necessary. A "pool" for some using an injection once a month, however, does become important.

Since the cost of methyl is so low, most would just use that. But it is your choice however. The only harm is that you may be a poor converter, and remain unresponsive.

[rose]

In addition to what MrsD wrote, a timed release/sustained release form is a bad idea. A person who malabsorbs severely will not get anything from that.

And anyone who is malabsorbing slightly or moderately can progrss to severe malabsorption.

rose

[Malvino]

- It treats pernicious anaemia.
- It treats Vitamin B12 deficiency (caused by dietary lack or problems with absorbtion from the gut).
- It treats poor sight caused by smoking.

[nopain]

Yet it might be a good idea for a person like me with peripheral nerve problems... if it could deliver a sustained amount to my nerves via the bloodstream 24/7 instead of being flushed through the sytem and stored in the liver.

I am not supplementing for deficiency any more than I would be supplementing Vitamin C in excess for defiecency... rather in my case to make sure there was an ample supply - perhaps even an excess supply to help repair nerve tissue. Whereas a healthy person with normal nerves may not need to supplement at all.

So while many may malabsorb for me that is not the issue.

[rose]

I may be misinterpreting, but if you are referring to B12, it is necessary for life that a good deal of B12 be stored in the liver and other tissues. One cannot live without it.

One who has nerve damage needs to make sure stores are full up and remain so.

How do you know you don't malabsorb?

rose

[kimee100]

I have B12 vitamin difficiency and my doctor has prescribed this medication and it is working fine. My numbers have gone up and I feel great!!! See what you doctor says about Metanx. I have the B12 problem due to Gastric Bypass and malabsorbtion.

Metanx® is a prescription combination product containing the active, naturally occurring forms of folate, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 used by the body.

Traditional oral vitamins are synthetic forms of the nutrients found in nature. This is the case for common B-vitamins such as folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. Each of these must be converted into their natural, active forms before they can actually be used by the body's cells for such vital functions as DNA production, cell reproduction and homocysteine metabolism.

B Vitamin Active Form
Folic acid is the active form of L-methylfolate
Vitamin B6 is the active form of Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate
Vitamin B12 is the active form of Methylcobalamin

The amount of folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 that can be converted into the active forms is often limited. Each person's limitation may vary as influenced by genetic factors as well as age-related and/or metabolic (digestive and absorption) obstacles. For example, up to 50% of the population is unable to fully metabolize folic acid into its active form, L-methylfolate. More detailed information is provided on the Metanx® website.

good luck
Kimee

[NIL]

Does anyone here have experience with this forum of B12 either through injection, but more interestingly through Oral Supplementation.

Can you recommend a brand?

I have found a brand called PERQUE, but it appears that like Standard Process Vitamins their marketing plan is to market through Physicians.

Comments?

There is some belief that this is better absorbed then methylcobalamin.

If hydroxocobalamin is so much better why are we not finding it more often?

Tried it. In fact already using it. I found it to be very good. Almost as absorbable as injectable form of HC. Easier to use.Best wishes.

[NIL]

What I read is the Hydro version is readily and easily converted to Methyl as needed thus lasts longer in the body... suposedly making it more useful. The Methyl being the "active" form, but excess removed from the body quicker. And the cyano being the least effective and potentially problematic over long time supplementation due to cyanide.

So the question I had is if there is any real benefit to the Hydro version over the Methyl version... much in the way a time release capsule would work?

I am also studying this subject. I am thinking hydroxy is a better choice if you have anemia problems. As far as I know Hydroxy is converted to partly to adenosylcobalamin which is used for hemoglobin production and partly to methycobalamin. If you only take methylcobalamin you will not be able to support the adenosylcobalamin side.

I am not sure about this but I also heard that for persons who have mercury toxicity methylcobalamin may methlate the mercury and move it into the brain. Anyone heard this?

[rose]

Timed release not good. If by some chance you malabsorb severely (lack intrinsic factor), timed release will do you no good at all.

It's been a long time ago, but there was a discussion of the possible missing out of adenosylcobalamin then and we decided that should not be a concern when taking methylcobalamin.

Methylcbobalamin is the best overall choice, although most in other countries where it is not readily available will benefit from the other forms.

I have never seen in many years of papers any indication that methylcobalamin causes a problem with mercury (or anything else). In fact, there is reason to use it if one has been or is being exposed to a toxin.

Hydroxydobalamin, in addition to staying with the body better than cyanocobalamin,is also better than cyanocobalamin for other reasons. Methylcobalamin provides the most opportunities for help.

Any proven reliable brand is likely very good. The one I have seen proven (lab and otherwise) over and over again for many years now is Jarrow. Choose an excellent brand and do not fall for expensive (often misleading) hype.

rose