Methylcobalamin is a form of vitamin B12. It has possibly been shown to protect those who take it from neurological conditions and diseases and aging in a way that makes it different from other drugs or therapies. There are various forms of vitamin B12 (the most common being cyanocobalamin), but deficiency in methylcobalamin has been linked to various diseases.
What it is and Where it Comes From
Cyanocobalamin is a form of vitamin B12. It is converted in very small quantities in the liver into methylcobalamin, but not in quantities sufficient enough to be therapeutic. Synthetic methylcobalamin is available as a supplement in many supplement and vitamin shops. As a B-complex vitamin, it plays an important role in preventing and treating anemia as well as immune system upkeep.
Aid in Sleep-Wake Rhythm Diseases
Methylcobalamin has been studied as an effective treatment for sleep-wake disorders. In one study, patients with sleep-wake disorders who received a large dose of methylcobalamin improved more than those who received a smaller dose of methylcobalamin, although the difference between the two was not very significant. While improvement was noted overall, not enough improvement was observed to make methylcobalamin an effective singular treatment of sleep-wake disorders, although it has potential as a "booster" of other treatments, amplifying their effects.
Antioxidant
When the body breaks down foods, is exposed to certain substances or conditions, or burns a great deal of body fat in a short time, free radicals are produced, which can damage cells throughout the body, causing such things as heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants are substances that neutralize and prevent production of free radicals, and methylcobalamin is a strong antioxidant. Because it stores for a longer period than normal cyanocobalamin, it is a very effective antioxidant (relative to other forms of B12), and is used as a vitamin supplement to promote an overall reduction of the conditions and damage caused by free radical production.
Treatment for External Deficiency
When not enough B12 is consumed through the diet or absorption is hampered due to an external agent (such as bacterial infections or gastrointestinal parasites), the side effects can be numerous and potentially fatal. When a deficiency of B12 is noted, methylcobalamin can be used as an effective treatment because of its longer life in the body relative to other B12 forms. It is often administered via injection, but is also available in pills, nasal sprays and topical gels.
Treatment for Pernicious Anemia
Pernicious anemia is a condition in which the body produces too few red blood cells. It can severely and negatively affect the heart, brain and digestive tract. Pernicious anemia is usually caused by a loss of specific cell types in the lining of the stomach that make a substance called "intrinsic factor," which tell the body to absorb B12. The result is a chronic malabsorption of B12. Methylcobalamin can be administered as a treatment for pernicious anemia, reducing and eventually eliminating symptoms. Treatment generally lasts throughout the life of the patient.
Tags: sleep-wake disorders, dose methylcobalamin, effective treatment, form vitamin, free radicals, other forms, Pernicious anemia