Because It’s Good For You
American author, Mark Twain, said, “The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don’t want, drink what you don’t like, and do what you’d rather not.” In other words, if you want to stay healthy, you have to eat your veggies (and lots of them), drink water, and exercise. These words of wisdom are about 150 years old, so this knowledge has been around for a long time.
There wasn’t as much understanding about vitamins and minerals then, but that advice was sound both then and now. Most vitamins are gleaned from the food we eat. Deficiencies in them affect the way your mind and body function. We now know how to supplement vitamins in which we’re deficient or in which we simply need a boost. Vitamin B-12 is a good example.
What Is Vitamin B-12?
Vitamin B-12 supports numerous bodily functions, including nerve function, red blood cell formation, and DNA synthesis. Signs of vitamin B-12 deficiency include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- GI distress including weight loss
- Numbness or tingling in your hands and feet
- Confusion and memory problems
- Depression
- Personality changes
- Anxiety
Vitamin B-12 Supplementation
There are two different formulations of vitamin B-12 supplements: methylcobalamin and cyanocobalamin. While both have been approved for medical supplementation, the practitioners at Awaken IV Therapy and Wellness believe that methylcobalamin is the better choice for those who seek supplemental vitamin B-12.
The Differences Between Them
Cyanocobalamin is a form of B-12 that doesn’t occur naturally. It can be used, but it isn’t our first choice. We prefer methylcobalamin because it’s a naturally occurring form of vitamin B-12 that can be found in some foods, including:
- Beef
- Sardines
- Tuna
- Salmon
- Fortified nutritional yeast
- Dairy products
As the natural form of B-12, methylcobalamin is much more easily absorbed by your body because it doesn’t have to be synthesized before it can have a positive effect. Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic form of B-12 that requires conversion within the body to be utilized effectively. This process involves the liver, which removes the cyanide molecule from cyanocobalamin to yield methylcobalamin.
The Benefits of Methylcobalamin
The necessity for conversion poses a significant disadvantage for cyanocobalamin. This process requires additional energy and resources from the body. It also raises concerns about the potential accumulation of cyanide, albeit in trace amounts. While the amounts of cyanide produced are considered safe for most individuals, those with compromised detoxification pathways or specific health conditions may be more sensitive to its effects.
Methylcobalamin exhibits superior bioavailability compared to cyanocobalamin. Bioavailability refers to the proportion of a nutrient that is absorbed and utilized by the body. Since methylcobalamin is already in its active form, it can be readily absorbed and utilized by the body, ensuring maximum effectiveness. This makes it the preferred choice for those who want to optimize their B-12 levels.
Awaken IV Therapy and Wellness
If you’re in the Greater Denver Metro Area, Awaken IV Therapy and Wellness can provide vitamin B-12 boosters or add them to an IV therapy treatment. We believe in the regenerative power of B-12 and use only methylcobalamin because of its superior efficacy. Contact us today so we can help you with a vitamin B-12 booster or any other IV therapy you need.
Disclaimer: The information contained here was not written by a medical doctor and is intended for informational purposes only. This is not a substitute for medical advice.
