Methylcobalamin (Methyl group + B12) the most active form of B12 seems to be better absorbed and retained in our tissues in higher amounts than the synthetic cyanocobalamin. Methylcobalamin is used much more efficiently by the liver, brain and nervous system.

Learn these Facts about B-12 Supplements & Reap those Nutritional Benefits!

Why is vitamin B-12 such an important component of any nutrition program?

B-12 is a multi-purpose vitamin that is crucial for a number of your bodily functions. For starters this vitamin is essential for proper replication of each cell's DNA/RNA blueprint. B-12 also helps maintain your body's red blood cell count within a normal range. This vitamin is necessary for the creation, production and growth of these oxygen-transporting cells. If your red blood cell count is low then your blood cannot deliver an adequate supply of oxygen and you will feel fatigued. Typical red blood cells only have a life-span of 3 months and then they are gone forever. As the older RBCs (red blood cells) die the new blood cells rush into action.

As you can see, the constant need for new red blood cells continues throughout your own lifetime. Vitamin B12 promotes vigor and vitality. This powerful vitamin supplement can naturally boost your energy level and reduce your risk of heart disease. B-12 is crucial for a normal nervous system. This compound even assists in the metabolism of iron, and strengthens your immune system.

Those individuals who are most at risk of developing B-12 deficiency include vegans/vegetarians/ individuals who are diagnosed with auto-immune disorders.  Seniors (ages 60 and older) patients with gastric ulcers, individuals who suffer from anorexia or bulimia, people who have been diagnosed with nutritional ailments, those who have intestinal malabsorption syndrome, patients with gastric ulcers and individuals with "H. pylori" bacterial infections in their GI tract.  Vitamin B-12 deficiencies are also quite common in patients with medical conditions such as heart disease, anemia, diabetes, osteoporosis, depression and even indigestion.

How much Vitamin B-12 do You Need?

Most healthy individuals can easily consume adequate amounts of B-12 when they follow a well-balanced diet. Seafood and meat contain the highest levels of B-12. For instance, just a small serving of shellfish provides you with almost 100 mcg of B-12. Vegans and vegetarians do not consume any animal products and this is why their dietary preferences can place them at risk for developing vitamin B-12 deficiencies. One of the benefits of Vitamin B-12 supplements is that you are not restricted to taking a dose each day. You have the option of taking a high dosage of this supplement once a week. A weekly dosage should be at least 2500 mcg/wk.

This is only guidelines to use. The RDA (recommended daily amount) is the minimum amount necessary for good health. Many experts now suggest that individuals increase their B-12 intake so that they are taking twice the recommended daily amount.

Vitamin B12 with folic acid sublingual supplement

B-12 and Folic Acid

There are many nutritionists and physicians who recommend taking a supplement that contains both B-12 and folic acid. It is believed that the folic acid helps convert vitamin B-12 into its bio-active form. This enhances the body's ability to process the B-12 supplement

Water-Soluble B-12

Your liver is also going to help you out by storing a certain amount of B-12. Most individuals have enough extra B-12 (available from the liver) to last them as long as 2-6 years. This means that even if you choose to follow a strict vegan diet it usually will take a number of months before your system will suffer any ill effects.* You should be aware that B-12 is a water-soluble compound. This means that most of the excess B-12 will be flushed out of your body by your kidneys. Your liver only stores enough B-12 to use in the case of extreme emergencies, or prolonged periods of time when no dietary B-12 is being provided.

Symptoms of B-12 Deficiency

What happens if you should become deficient in B-12? Unfortunately there are a number of negative symptoms associated with B-12 deficiencies. These include fatigue, extreme muscle weakness, iron anemia, memory loss, sore mouth, confusion, depression, weight loss and constipation. In severe cases there could even be nerve damage. Nerve damage that results from B-12 deficiencies can prove to be irreversible.

Natural or Synthetic B-12?

It is very important to distinguish between Methylcobalamin and cyanocobalamin supplements. While both of these products would provide B-12 there is a major difference. Methylcobalamin is the proper term for natural B-12 compounds. This is the same type of Vitamin B-12 which you would consume through the use of animal products. Methylcobalamin offers a higher level of bio-availability which allows your body to maximize all of the benefits of this supplement. Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic form of B-12. It is not a natural supplement and it does not offer the same level of bio-availability as natural Methylcobalamin.

Easy Absorption with Sublingual Tablets

 If you have a problem swallowing pills and tablets than sublingual tablets/lozenges which is easily absorbed will be welcome news. Physician Naturals offers Sublingual Mega  B-12 supplements with Folic Acid as MethylCobalamin that you place underneath your tongue. These supplements dissolve quickly. The sublingual (under the tongue) route is also the fastest way to absorb B-12 into your bloodstream.