Methylcobalamin vs Cyanocobalamin: Which version of B12 is best?

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 11:46:26 +0000

Methylcobalamin vs cyanocobalamin: which one should you take? Both of these are versions of vitamin B12 but differ dramatically in how they are processed by your body and/or utilized. Even though they both contain vitamin B12 they are NOT created equal with one being significantly better than the other.

But first, why would you even worry about using a B12 supplement? Because B12 deficiency is so common! It is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies out there and it leads to symptoms such as weight gain, depression, and fatigue.

Because it's so common, B12 is often added to various supplements to help improve those symptoms. Unfortunately, many manufacturers of B12 supplements use the wrong form of B12 which can cause issues.

Methylcobalamin vs cyanocobalamin: What's the difference?

While both of these contain vitamin B12 the difference between these two is in what the B12 is bound to. In the case of cyanocobalamin, the B12 is bound to Cyanide.

This cyanide must be eliminated and detoxed out of the body.

Even though it doesn't cause damage to your body it's still something that should be considered. Lastly, cyanocobalamin is not naturally found in nature unlike methylcobalamin which means it's synthetic and manmade.

Methylcobalamin, on the other hand, is basically the exact opposite. Methylcobalamin is the form of B12 found in food and occurs naturally. In addition, it doesn't require detoxification of cyanide and comes in its pre-activated and pre-methylated form which means that it is easier for the body to use.

For these reasons, it's ideal to use methylcobalamin.

Is cyanocobalamin harmful because it contains cyanide. Studies have shown that it doesn't cause harm and the amount of Cyanide contained is so small as to not cause toxicity. Having said that, it doesn't sit well with me using a product that contains a potentially deadly product so I prefer to avoid it.

You also should be aware that there are several ways to put B12 into your body. These include: B12 injections, sublingual B12, and oral B12 capsules/tablets.

You may need to play around with what works best for you, but I have found that B12 shots tend to be the best as they bypass absorption in the gut and get straight into your cells.

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Disclaimer:
Dr. Westin Childs received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic medicine in 2013. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Childs is no longer practicing medicine and does not hold an active medical license so he can focus on helping people through videos, blog posts, research, and supplement formulation. To read more about why he is no longer licensed please see this page: https://www.restartmed.com/wha....t-happened-to-my-med

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