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What is Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)?

Vitamin B12, or also known as Cyanocobalamin or cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin stored in the liver that works with other B vitamins to turn food into energy. It also protects against heart disease, mental disorders, and anemia, and maintains the strength of your immune system. However, unlike other water-soluble nutrients, high levels of Vitamin B12 are stored in the liver, kidney and other body tissues. Vitamin B12 is a general term used to refer to a group of cobalt-containing compounds called corrinoids. Vitamin B12 is also known as cobalamin because a major constituent is the metal cobalt. The major cobalamins include cyanocobalamin, hydroxocobalamin and the coenzyme analogs of vitamin B12, methylcobalamin and 5-deoxyadenosylcobalamin (adenosylcobalamin). Cyanocobalamin is the common form of the vitamin used as an additive in the fortification of foods and in nutritional supplements. Vitamin B12 is bound to the protein in food, and hydrochloric acid in the stomach releases B12 from proteins in foods during digestion.

Cyanocobalamin is considered the most potent vitamin and is one of the last true vitamins that have been classified. Vitamin B12 combines with a substance called gastric intrinsic factor (IF), which is then absorbed by the intestinal tract. Intrinsic factor is secreted by the stomach lining and it tightly binds vitamin B12 to help it pass through the intestinal lining and into the blood. As such, any abnormal production or shortage of this intrinsic factor can result in vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is of paramount importance for normal nerve cell activity, DNA replication, and production of the mood-affecting substance SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine). Vitamin B12 also works intimately with vitamin B9 (folate) to regulate the formation of red blood cells and to help iron function better in the body, thus preventing anemia. Vitamin B12 is also crucial for the action of certain enzymes within calls that control fat, amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism. Vitamin B12 as well as folate is essential in the synthesis of DNA and RNA, the genetic material in the body.

Vitamin B12 is found naturally in food sources (primarily animal products) in protein-bound forms. Since animal products are the principal food sources of vitamin B12, this means it cannot be made by plants or by animals. Excellent dietary sources of vitamin B12 include liver, tuna, cottage cheese, yogurt and eggs. If you prefer to rely solely on supplements for your B12 requirements, most standard multivitamin supplements can serve this purpose since these already come formulated with the recommended daily allowance of vitamin B12. Alternatively, regarding food sources, the only reliable unfortified sources of vitamin B12 are meat, dairy products and eggs.

What is Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) used for and who uses it?

Vitamin B12's main functions are in the formation of red blood cells and the maintenance of a healthy nervous system. Vitamin B12 a vitamin of particular importance in maintaining healthy nerve cells and in the production of DNA and RNA, the body's genetic material. Cyanocobalamin works to promote normal growth and development, helps with certain types of nerve damage, and treats pernicious anemia. Vitamin B12 helps in the formation of red blood cells and in the maintenance of the central nervous system. Nerves are surrounded by an insulating fatty sheath comprised of a complex protein called myelin. B12 plays a vital role in the metabolism of fatty acids essential for the maintenance of myelin. Prolonged B12 deficiency can lead to nerve degeneration and irreversible neurological damage.

Vitamin B12 is essential for the proper production of blood platelets and red and white blood cells, the manufacture of vital substances needed for cell function, and the metabolism of nutrients necessary for cell growth. It participates in a variety of cellular reactions to release energy from carbohydrates, fats and protein. Vitamin B12 helps maintain the myelin sheath that insulates nerve fibers from each other. People with vitamin B12 deficiency show irregular destruction of the myelin sheaths, which eventually causes paralysis and death. Vitamin B12 levels decrease with age and various measures of cognitive impairment are associated with reduced B12 status. The most important use of vitamin B12 is to treat the symptoms of pernicious anemia. Vitamin B9 (folate) and vitamin B12 are critical to the health of the nervous system and to a process that clears homocysteine from the blood. Vitamins B12, B6, and B9 (folate) work closely together to control blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine. Elevated plasma homocysteine concentrations are considered to be a risk factor for vascular disease and birth defects such as neural tube defects.

How pure is your Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)?

This Cyanocobalamin powder (more commonly referred to as Vitamin B12) is assayed by the manufacturer as 98.37% pure product (normal range 96.0 to 100.5%). You will receive a double sealed and labeled bulk polyethylene bag containing this reddish purple crystalline powder product. It contains no fillers, taste additives, or anti-caking agents. The remaining 1.63% by weight are inactive byproducts of the extraction. Vitamin B12 is not usually present in plant food sources, and it is likely that a vegetarian will not consume enough of this vitamin in their diet. Elderly people should also watch themselves for possible deficiency symptoms as cobalamin levels decline with age. Deficiencies in the elderly are, however, usually caused by malabsorption of the vitamin, and not a dietary lack. As the symptoms of a deficiency of this vitamin may not show themselves for five to six years until the body's reserves are completely depleted, it makes sense to consider taking a supplement.

What are some of the common effects of Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)?

Vitamin B12 is required to create healthy blood cells; red blood cells to provide the body with oxygen, and white blood cells to combat infection. It is also necessary to produce myelin, a protective fatty layer that shields nerve cells and keeps electrical impulses moving through the body. Without sufficient vitamin B12 the nervous system can "short out" and cause interruptions in mental function--symptoms of B12 deficiency can be so severe that they actually mimic senility. Vitamin B12 helps nerve damage at bay and maintains fertility, and is required for production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that improves memory and learning.

Vitamin B12 works closely with folic acid (vitamin B9) and pyridoxine (vitamin B6) to transform food into energy. It also functions synergistically with these B vitamins to protect your heart by eliminating homocysteine (an amino acid found in meats that cause blood cells to clump together and cling to arterial walls) from the blood. Too much homocysteine in the system can lead to severe damage arterial walls which consequently lead to atherosclerosis, a condition that often results to early heart attack.

What is the daily suggested dose of Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)?

Cyanocobalamin must be taken in doses ranging from the standard dose of 1000mcg (1.0 milligram) to 2000mcg (2.0 milligrams). You can see the full bulk density/volumetric conversion chart for Cyanocobalamin here. Because Cyanocobalamin can potentially be toxic in higher doses extreme care should be exercised when dosing this product for individual use and dietary supplementation. A single dose for Cyanocobalamin is very small and you should make no attempt to dose this product using volumetric measuring techniques. In other words, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DOSE THIS PRODUCT USING MEASURING SPOONS OF ANY KIND! The only safe way to dose this product for individual use will be using an accurate milligram weight scale to measure an amount that is at least 16 milligrams and then divide that amount in half to make two 8 milligram piles. Next divide each 8mg pile in half to make 4x 4mg. Next divide each 4mg pile in half to make 8x 2mg. Each of these 2mg doses would commonly be considered a safe dose, although dividing each 2mg pile yet again to 1mg might also be an effective dose for most people. Since absorption of vitamin B12 is significantly reduced with increasing age, elderly people may require greater amounts of vitamin B12 than younger people. Additionally, because vitamin B12 comes primarily from animal products, people who follow a strict vegetarian diet and do not consume eggs or dairy products may require vitamin B12 supplements.

Milligram scales measure by weight in units that are accurate and precise to 1/100th of a gram, or 0.01 grams. Because these scales are typically not sufficiently accurate to be considered reliable when measuring amounts less than 10 milligrams it is recommended that you measure out amounts larger than 10mg and then physically divide this amount multiple times so as to approximate a single dose in the range of between 500mcg (0.5mg) to 2mg, depending upon your individual needs. PureBulk have these scales, and you can purchase it quite inexpensively here: 1/100th gram (milligram) weight Scales

As always, if you have concerns or questions, consult a physician or a health care professional before taking any supplements. Before taking any kind of medicine, check with your doctor to ensure that the supplement you want to take is right for you. You may be allergic or you may have a sensitive stomach which may raise the need for special instruction as far as dosage goes.

What kind of results do people anticipate while taking Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)?

This vitamin is essential for the proper metabolism of carbohydrates and fats and the synthesis of proteins. It also aids its cousin folic acid, another B vitamin in regulating the formation of red blood cells, and helps in the utilization of iron. Vitamin B12 prevents pernicious anemia, maintains a healthy nervous system, and it works synergistically with vitamin B6 and B9 to control blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine. Having high levels of B12 can point towards possible heart disease, so if you are a potential heart disease candidate, you can use a combination of vitamin B12, B6 and folic acid to help return your homocysteine levels to normal. In addition, B12 is necessary in maintaining a healthy nervous system. Vitamin B12 is required for proper digestion, absorption of foods, prevents nerve damage, aids in the production of DNA and RNA, and maintains the fatty sheaths that cover and protect nerve endings. It also helps improve memory and concentration and helps ensure restful sleep.

Overdose, Toxicity, Deficiency, and Potential side effects of Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)

Vitamin B12 is considered safe and non-toxic. No toxic or adverse effects have been associated with large intakes of vitamin B12 from food or supplements in healthy people. Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs when there is an abnormally low level of vitamin B12 absorbed in the body. The absorption of dietary vitamin B12 occurs in the small intestine and requires a secretion from the stomach known as intrinsic factor. If intrinsic factor is deficient, absorption of vitamin B12 is severely diminished.

Vitamin B12 deficiency can be a factor in a variety of different health conditions and disorders. B12 deficiency inhibits the body’s ability to produce blood, increases blood cell destruction, and is very harmful to the nervous system. Characteristic signs of B12 deficiency include fatigue, weakness, nausea, constipation, flatulence (gas), loss of appetite, and weight loss. Symptoms of severe vitamin B12 deficiency (regardless of the cause) may include burning of the tongue, fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, intermittent constipation and diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, menstrual symptoms, psychological symptoms, and nervous system problems, such as numbness and tingling in the feet and hands.

The information at Purebulk.com is NOT a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use any dietary supplement as a replacement for conventional care, or as a reason to postpone seeing a doctor about a medical problem. Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) is used in the following Proprietary Formulas

Cobolin-M, Cyomin, Depo-Cobolin, Vitamin B-12, Vitamin B12, Red Ginseng Vita, Ultra Diet Pep Orange for Diet & Weight Loss, Panax Ginsamin

References & Further Research

Folic acid, pyridoxine, cobalamin, and homocysteine and their relationship to cardiovascular disease in end-stage renal disease
Vitamin supplementation is prescribed for renal failure patients, including dialysis patients, because restricted diet, uremic toxins, drug effects, and the process of dialysis increase the risk of frank or subclinical vitamin deficiency. The appropriate level of supplementation of folic acid has been controversial. Data are rapidly accumulating suggesting that vitamins B6 (pyridoxine) and B12 (cobalamin) as well as folic acid may play a protective role in cardiovascular disease. Homocysteine, an amino acid intermediate, is now generally accepted as a risk factor in vascular atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 play a significant role in normalizing homocysteine metabolism, thereby preventing its accumulation in excessive amounts in blood and urine. Renal failure patients tend to have high serum homocysteine levels and a high rate of cardiovascular disease. Appropriate and as yet undefined levels of supplementation with folic acid, pyridoxine, and cobalamin may decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease related to the homocysteine risk factor.

Vitamin B12 and brain development
This is a report of an 11/2-year-old male with megaloblastic anaemia and a progressive neurological disorder clinically resembling leucodystrophy. The child was exclusively breast fed and his mother had been a strict vegetarian for more than 4 years before the child was born. After Vitamin B12 therapy the anaemia disappeared and the neurological condition dramatically improved.

Persistence of neurological damage induced by dietary vitamin B-12 deficiency in infancy
A case is reported of a 14 month old boy with severe dietary vitamin B-12 deficiency caused by his mother’s vegan diet. Clinical, electroencephalography (EEG), and hematological findings are described. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed severe frontal and frontoparietal cranial atrophy. Vitamin B-12 supplements led to a rapid improvement of hematological and neurological symptoms. Serum vitamin B-12 and urinary methylmalonate excretion were normal 10 days after treatment began. After six weeks, EEG was normal and cranial MRI after 10 weeks showed complete disappearance of all structural abnormalities. Cognitive and language development, however, remained seriously retarded at the age of 2 years. It is concluded that infantile vitamin B-12 deficiency induced by maternal vegan diets may cause lasting neurodisability even though vitamin B-12 supplementation leads to rapid resolution of cerebral atrophy and electroencephalographic abnormality.

Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) for International Customers

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