Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Methylcobalamin

Methylcobalamin: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is methylcobalamin?

Vitamin B12 is also known as cobalamin. This water-soluble vitamin helps in red blood cell production and maintains brain health and DNA synthesis. Its two most common sources are cyanocobalamin and methylcobalamin. Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic form of vitamin B12 that is found in supplements. On the other hand, methylcobalamin or methyl B12 is a naturally occurring form of vitamin B12 that you can obtain through supplements and food sources such as fish, meat, eggs, and milk.

What are the uses of methylcobalamin?

  • Methylcobalamin is an activated form of vitamin B12. It alleviates neuropathy and neuralgia. In these conditions, patients have damaged and irritated nerves and experience sharp, intense pain. Methylcobalamin improves their nerve condition and promotes regeneration of the damaged nerves.
  • It is also ideal for those who struggle with B12 deficiency, anemia, back pain, or problems related to the brain and nerves.
  • Methylcobalamin also cures nutrition-related diseases and certain other conditions.
  • It is mainly used for patients with diabetes and other neuropathies that cause nerve damage and dysfunction whenever there is a vitamin B12 deficiency.

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    What are the side effects of methylcobalamin?

    Some patients with vitamin B12 deficiency who consumed methylcobalamin have experienced nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and headaches.
    Discuss any medical allergies with your doctor before starting this medication. Inform them if you have any conditions like low levels of potassium, iron, or folic acid.
    Missing or skipping one or two doses of methylcobalamin may not show any signs of problems in the body. But if you miss the dosage for longer periods, you might have to take other medicines for the adverse chemical reactions and minor side effects of missing doses.

    What is Methylcobalamin

    Uses of Methylcobalamin

    Side effects of Methylcobalamin

    References

    1.     https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/methylcobalamin-vs-cyanocobalamin#synthetic-vs-natural
    2.     https://www.drugs.com/npp/methylcobalamin.html
    3.     https://www.hindawi.com/journals/np/2013/424651/
    4.     https://www.emedicinehealth.com/drug-methylcobalamin_vitamin_b12/article_em.htm
    5.     https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3985831/
    6.     https://www.drugs.com/npp/methylcobalamin.html

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Methylcobalamin

    As discussed earlier, methylcobalamin is the naturally occurring form of vitamin B12 and is used to treat its deficiency. It acts as a pain killer in diabetic patients and patients with neuropathies. Methylcobalamin also helps in producing red blood cells, improving nerve condition, and promoting regeneration of the damaged nerves.

    Methylcobalamin is a naturally occurring form of vitamin B12 (unlike cyanocobalamin). Therefore, it is the closest form of vitamin B12 there is in nature. You can consume it through fish, meat, eggs, and milk. Since it is derived naturally from food sources and supplements, it can be considered identical to vitamin B12.

    You should take methylcobalamin exactly as per your doctor's instructions. You can also consult with our experts about the same. Normally, it is either administered orally or injected into the muscle. Store it at room temperature or 20–25°C. Follow the storage and consumption instructions mentioned in the label if you're consuming it orally at home.

    Low vitamin B12 levels may lead to anemia in pregnant women and the low birth weight of the baby. Hence, pregnant women who are inclined to have a vitamin B12 deficiency are often prescribed methylcobalamin. Methylcobalamin supplements may improve the nutritional status of pregnant women. No reports linking high doses of vitamin B12 with maternal or fetal complications have been found.

    Like any other supplementary vitamin, it is always advisable to seek the opinion of your doctor (or our medical experts), before taking methylcobalamin. Usually, you will be recommended a dose of 500 mcg thrice or a dose of 1500 mcg once every day, but it may differ in some cases.

    Methylcobalamin is a naturally occurring form of vitamin B12. It is a kind of vitamin supplement. For best bioavailability and absorption of methylcobalamin, a daily dose is recommended to make it more beneficial or effective. However, it is advised that you consult a physician before taking up this medication.

    An experienced physician will always advise you to consume methylcobalamin on an empty stomach. It is a well-known medical fact that water-soluble vitamins are better absorbed on an empty stomach. So, the usual time of taking methylcobalamin will be in the morning as the first dose, half an hour before lunch, and 2 hours post a meal.

    Many health-conscious and weight-conscious people believe that it is always better to know the weight-related side effects of a drug. As far as consuming methylcobalamin is concerned, despite many processes and trials involving vitamin B12, there is little evidence to suggest that it has any effect leading to weight gain.

    The liver does not store most other vitamins or their related forms in substantial amounts. However, vitamin B12 is different. It is stored in the liver in an extensive amount until the body needs it. This storage of vitamin B12 takes about three to five years to become completely exhausted.

    Like any other vitamin supplement, methylcobalamin must also be consumed in the appropriate quantity. The Natural Medicines Database considers methylcobalamin to be safe when taken in the right dosage. Extremely high vitamin B12 levels have been linked to the development of lung and prostate cancer. It can also be a symptom of adult-onset Still's disease, a rare auto-inflammatory disease.

    We have tried to provide you with insights about when, how, and why you should consume or take methylcobalamin. In case you have any doubts regarding its uses and benefits or side effects, get in touch with our team at Yashoda Hospitals.