Vitamin B-12

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, adults take 1 lozenge daily, or as directed by your healthcare professional. Allow lozenge to dissolve in mouth and then swallow

Vitamin B-12 - Hydroxycobalamin is a precursor form of B12 which is essential for the metabolism of macronutrients, methionine and DNA synthesis. It is converted to both methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin to support methylation, nerve and mitochondrial health.†

Vitamin B12 is essential for normal energy metabolism of carbohydrates, fat and protein.† As a cofactor for methylmalonyl-CoA mutase enzymes, vitamin B12 helps convert odd chain fatty acids and branched chain amino acids into succinyl-CoA, a common citric acid cycle intermediate. Vitamin B12 is also required for nucleic acid (DNA) synthesis, methionine synthesis from cysteine, and normal myelin synthesis in the nervous system. Along with vitamin B6 and folic acid, adequate levels of vitamin B12 are required to maintain normal plasma homocysteine levels.† There are two distinct mechanisms for intestinal vitamin B12 absorption; receptor-mediated absorption and passive diffusion. In the first, vitamin B12 attaches to a salivary “R-binder” protein which transports it into the small intestine, where vitamin B12 is released. The vitamin then binds to “Intrinsic Factor” (IF), a glycoprotein normally produced by the gastric parietal cells. This vitamin B12-IF complex is carried down to the ileum, where it binds to mucosal receptors. Finally, the complex is absorbed and bound to serum vitamin B12-binding proteins. The second absorption mechanism, passive diffusion, does not require any carriers, such as B-binder or IF. The elderly and strict vegetarians are often at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency, either due to low dietary intake or impaired absorption. The receptor-mediated absorption pathway is subject to numerous genetic and pathologic defects which can severely impair normal vitamin B12 absorption. . Hydroxycobalamin is a precursor form of vitamin B12 converted in the body to both methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin. It is similar to cyanocobalamin without the cyanide moiety. This form of unmethylated B12 promotes nerve and mitochondrial health.†