More on B12 types

Most people do just fine with cyanocobalamin. But a percentage of people cannot convert efficiently cyanocobalamin into usable B12 (methylcobalamin), or for some other reason need to receive large quantities of the methylcobalamin form.

Methylcobalamin is the active form of vitamin B-12 that is better absorbed than many of the other forms like cyanocobalamin. Actually, Vitamin B12 comes in several kinds including hydroxy-, cyano-, and adenosyl-, but only the methyl form is used in the central nervous system.

Here are some of the many uses and benefits of Methylcobalin The methyl form of B-12 especially protects nerve tissue and brain cells, and promotes healthy sleep.

Methylcobalamin is important because it is delivered more efficiently to nerve tissues than regular B-12. Because of this, Methylcobalamin should be considered in the treatment of all neurological diseases.

Based on its mechanism of action, it can be effective in slowing the progression of hard to treat neurological diseases like ALS, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's Disease. Published studies show that high doses can help regenerate neurons and the myelin sheath that protects axons and peripheral nerves. Theraputic doses of Methylcobalamin have also been known to prevent and reverse numbness from nerve damage.

Among the conditions which have responded favorably to Methylcobalamin are, ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease,) Alzheimer's disease, Bell's Palsy, Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Brain Aging, Insomnia, Immune dysfunction, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia, Schizophrenia, Diabetes, Impotence and Herpes Zoster (Shingles.)

In one study of Alzheimer's patients given Methylcobalamin, the subjects improved their memory, emotions, and ability to communicate. In Alzheimer's or suspected Mercury amalgam related diseases (e.g. MS,) a hidden Vitamin B-12 deficiency has been found, even though the usual blood tests are normal. In one study of patients with chronic, progressive Multiple Sclerosis, 60 mg of Methylcobalamin resulted in clinical improvement in visual and auditory function, but not motor disability.

Methylcobalamin may help prevent Parkinson's disease and slow the progression in those who are already afflicted. Parkinson's is caused by a destruction of brain cells that produce dopamine. Dopamine is produced from the amino acid, L-Dopa. Anyone taking any form of L-Dopa should also take from 5 to 20 mg of Methylcobalamin to enjoy the benefits of L-Dopa for much longer. For best results, it should be taken with Alpha Lipoic Acid. In a sleep study it was shown that Methylcobalamin reduced the amount of time the subjects slept, but the sleep quality was better and subjects awakened refreshed with better alertness and concentration.

Methylcobalamin at 6mg per day for 16 weeks also improved sperm count by 37.5 percent.

In other studies it was found that Methylcobalamin enhances and modulates lymphocytes (white blood cells) by increasing T-Cell (and especially T-helper cells) activity.

In mice, several different kinds of cancerous tumors were suppressed by administration of Methylcobalamin for seven days. These included liver, lung and other tumors.

In a study of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients, all given high dose (25 mg per day) Methylcobalamin showed increases in muscle strength. Methylcobalamin also slows the progression to AIDS in HIV + patients and helps prevent neurological problems. Methylcobalamin also balances the sympathetic/parasympathetic nervous system (calming when overexcited and stimulating when too calm).

A therapeutic dose for conditions requiring Methylcobalamin would be a minimum of 1500 mcg and a maximum of 6000 mcg per day. No significant therapeutic advantage appears to occur from dosages exceeding this maximum dose; however, it is likely that beneficial physiological effects occur at dosages as low as 100 mcg per day, especially if this dose is given repetitively over time. Methylcobalamin is usually administered in divided doses three times daily. For every day prevention take 1 mg daily under the tongue.
Dr. Edward F. Group III