Methylated B12

Six years ago in emergency I was lying in bed with compressed nerves in my neck. The nerves down my arm were effected causing a condition called radiculopathy - in summary I was in extreme pain down my right arm and numbness into my right fingers. I was told I may not be able to write again or use my hand as I know it. 

Methylated B12 waste of the things I used to help my nerve recovery. It was a fabulous vitamin. I give many thanks to it for helping my energy and my hand recovery.

In the past Vitamin B12 was acknowledged for use in vegans and vegetarians and this was the end of the topic. However now with the demands of life, tiredness and genetic wellness there are a lot more success stories with taking activated B12. 

• Tiredness
• Chronic fatigue
• Alzheimer’s and dementia
• Concentration
• Iron deficiencies
• Pernicious anaemia
• Liver detox 
• Helps lower homocysteine - hence protective in heart conditions

Vitamin B12 supplements are typically derived from two sources: cyanocobalamin or methyl cobalamin. Both are nearly identical and contain a cobalt ion surrounded by a Corrin ring. However, each have a different molecule attached to the cobalt ion. While methyl cobalamin contains a methyl group, cyanocobalamin contains a cyanide molecule. 

Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic form of vitamin B12 that is not found in nature. It’s used more frequently in supplements, as it’s considered more stable and cost-effective than other forms of vitamin B12. When cyanocobalamin enters your body, it’s converted into either methyl cobalamin or adenosylcobalamin, which are the two active forms of vitamin B12 in humans. 

Unlike cyanocobalamin, methyl cobalamin is a naturally occurring form of vitamin B12 that can be obtained through supplements, as well as food sources like fish, meat, eggs and milk.  Methyl cobalamin is a naturally occurring form that you can get through either food sources or supplements. Methyl cobalamin is the form we like to use here at the clinic.

It is interesting to help people with conditions indicating B12 deficiency however it is also good to look at nutrigenomics.  In summary some genetic profiles show the person will optimise their health by taking B12. If you have never had a gene test it is well worth doing and the next list will mean very little. If you have already had a genetic wellness test then the genes SNPS to look at on your profile in terms of B12 are:

• FUT2– G428A – rs 601338 – With a G results it reduces absorption of B12. With this SNP the person might prone to higher probiotics which could be good but could also reduce the absorption of B12.
• FUT2– G772A – rs602662 – With a G allele it means there is more risk of B12 deficiency and raised homocysteine. Worse if vegetarian diets are followed.
• TCN2 – C776G – rs18011198 – With the G allele it is harder for B12 to get from blood into the cells where it is needed.
• MTR– A 2756G – rs1805087 If you have a AA Allele then this conversion is slower and your need for Vitamin B12 might be more.  Methionine synthase (MTR) codes for the enzyme that converts homocysteine into methionine. Methionine is an essential amino acid necessary for protein synthesis and the production of S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe). SAMe provides the methyl groups for methylation reactions throughout the body. Vitamin B12, specifically methyl-B12, and zinc are required for optimal MTR activity and methionine production. Low vitamin B12 levels are associated with reduced MTR activity.
• MTHFR - Sometimes with a polymorphism of MTHFR B12 is used in treatments.  With this gene the conversion of Folic acid to methyl folate and cobalamin to methyl cobalamin is compromised.

*If you would like a genetic wellness test and currently a naturopathic client at Possum Hollow. Click here

It is extremely rare for people to react badly to B12. B12 is a water-soluble nutrient but the interesting thing is that it can store in the liver. One important thing to note is that taking individual B12 continually can imbalance the other B vitamins. Usually any reactions to Vitamin B12 will subside once the B12 is removed. One thing to take into account with reactions is the effect on the liver because B12 helps detoxify medicines. For instance if you are on certain orthodox medicines then B12 can aid detoxifying left over or accumulative medicines in the body. 

Because B12 is water soluble, it is absorbed in the intestines. After it is absorbed, it is used to make DNA and red blood cells. Then the B12 the is not used is stored in the liver. You need to take the right amount to be used but not excess. Sometimes it is the small regular doses that are often the most useful rather than high doses. 

I like the Vitamin B12 level to be above 400. If in doubt monitor your B12 and homocysteine with a blood test.

If there is pernicious anaemia or alzheimers in the family it is worth having your B12 states checked regularly. Dr. Bredesen has done some marvellous work on reversing cognitive decline and he thinks as we get older B12 needs to be above 400.

Vitamin B12 is safe to take at recommended doses for healthy people. Vitamin B12 can cause the following rare side effects

• high blood pressure ( sometimes immediately after B12 injections)
• rash
• itching
• during skin

Then there are the agents than can reduce absorption or serum levels of B12. You may need vitamin B12 supplements if you take any of the following

• angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors
• aspirin
• alcohol
• antibiotics
• anti-seizure agents
• bile acid sequestrates
• colchicine
• H2 blockers
• metformin
• neomycin
• nicotine and tobacco (YET - do not take B12 if you are a smoker)
• nitrous oxide
• oral contraceptives 
• para-aminosalicylic acid
• proton pump inhibitors
• zidovudine (Retrovir)

Some drugs or supplements may interfere with vitamin B-12. Tell your doctor if you take any of the following: 

• chloramphenicol
• folic acid
• potassium
• vitamin C

You may need to take vitamin B12 separately from the above drugs and supplements (e.g. one in the morning and one at night) so you can get the full dose of vitamin B12. 

I usually like people to take B12 in the morning. The reason for this being that B12 can effect melatonin (sleep hormone). B12 might be best given at lunch at the latest if clashing medication is prescribed in the morning. If in doubt talk this through with your practitioner. 

Using any of the individual B vitamins needs to be checked with your practitioner particularly with combinations of medications and the effect on the liver, detoxifying and sleep.

When supplementing with B12 make sure the dosage is correct so you are not taking too much. Methylating B12 is activated and more is not better. Just the right dosage is perfect for the right person. 

I have found by taking B12 regularly it not only has helped my arm and nerve compression but my energy.

Thank you methylated B12.