Health Benefits of Methylcobalamin (Vitamin B12)

Methylcobalamin is a cobalamin, a form of vitamin B₁₂. It differs from cyanocobalamin in that the cyano group at the cobalt is replaced with a methyl group.

Methylcobalamin, an active form of vitamin B12, helps in synthesis of methionine and S-adenosylmethionine. It is required for integrity of myelin, neuronal function, proper red blood cell formation and DNA synthesis. The largest group of vitamin B12 deficiency is found in typical vegetarians all over the world, which can be alleviated with its analogue Methylcobalamin. It is a beneficial drug to most of the common disorders like cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, anemia, hyperhomocysteinemia and degenerative disorders. Methylcobalamin helps in the synthesis of neuronal lipids, regeneration of axonal nerves and has neuroprotective activity, which promote neurons to function in proper way and thus improves Alzheimer disease, Parkinsonism, Dementia and neuropathic syndromes. It is an approved treatment for peripheral neuropathy. 

Methylcobalamin is used in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy, degenerative disorders and in the preliminary treatment of amyotropic lateral sclerosis. It exerts neuronal protection by promoting regeneration to injured nerves. It antagonizes the glutamate induced neurotoxicity and also manifests analgesic effects. It alleviates pain behavior in diabetic neuropathy, low back pain, neuralgia and promotes nerve conduction. It helps the body to use fats and carbohydrates for energy. Oral administration of 500 mcg three times daily for four weeks results in improvement of peripheral neuropathy and it produces very significant effect after 12 weeks of treatment.

Some of its other health benefits include:

• Vitamin B12 is involved in red blood cell formation. When vitamin B12 levels are too low, the production of red blood cells is altered, causing megaloblastic anemia.
• Maintaining adequate levels of vitamin B12 decreases homocysteine levels in your blood. This may help prevent the development of age-related macular degeneration.
• Vitamin B12 is needed for the production of serotonin, a chemical responsible for regulating mood. Vitamin B12 supplements may help improve mood in people with an existing deficiency.
• Vitamin B12 may help prevent brain atrophy and memory loss. More research is needed to conclude if supplementing with this vitamin can improve memory in those without a deficiency.
• Vitamin B12 is involved in energy production in your body. Taking a supplement may improve your energy level, but only if you’re deficient in this vitamin.
• Vitamin B12 can decrease blood homocysteine, a type of amino acid that is associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
• Appropriate vitamin B12 levels are key to a healthy pregnancy. They’re important for the prevention of brain and spinal cord birth defects.
• Vitamin B12 may play a vital role in your bone health. Low blood levels of this vitamin have been associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis and decreased bone density.