Scientific methods led people to believe that cyanocobalamin, not methylcobalamin was the naturally occurring form of Vitamin B-12. Cyanide in the charcoal replaces the methyl group in much the same way as it does in the body of a cigarette smoker. Vitamin B-12 requires the assistance of Intrinsic Factor to enter the body from the small intestine. Without Intrinsic Factor, dietary Vitamin B-12 or B-12-containing supplements go unabsorbed.
Autoimmune reactions and diseases sometimes destroy the stomach's parietal cells that produce Intrinsic Factor. Pernicious anemia results from this destructive process. More rarely, pernicious anemia develops when the body makes antibodies against the binding site of Intrinsic Factor. The antibodies rob Vitamin B-12 of the binding spot on Intrinsic Factor as it tries to make its way into the small intestine. Monthly injections of Vitamin B-12 can correct the anemia, immune and neurological problems that sneak up on people with pernicious anemia.
Methylcobalamin plays a key role in sleep. It helps the brain fill up its neurotransmitter "gas tank" when neurotransmitters are produced from amino acids. Similarly, depression also improves more quickly and completely when patients take methylcobalamin. Depression also can worsen even while using antidepressants if a restrictive diet is started to lose weight. A diet can run the neurotransmitter "gas tank" dry.
Homocysteine has emerged on center-stage as a biochemical culprit associated with vascular and brain disease. Methylcobalamin and 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate are crucial to the elimination of homocysteine. Vitamin supplementation reduces the chances of building up levels of homocysteine associated with stress.
Clinical experience and scientific research have clearly established the importance of Vitamin B-12. The discovery of Vitamin B-12 was considered so monumental that the responsible researchers were honored with the Nobel Prize. Recent discoveries have demonstrated the value of using methylcobalamin for improvement in the cardiovascular, immune and nervous systems.
Serving Size: 1 Lozenge