What is Methyl-B12 (methylcobalamin)?

Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin with a key role in the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system, and for the formation of blood. It is one of the eight B vitamins. It is normally involved in the metabolism of every cell of the body, especially affecting DNA synthesis and regulation, but also fatty acid synthesis and energy production.

B12 (cobalamin) is a vitamin "family" with five unique family members (vitamers): -

• Cyanocobalamin (inactive)
• Hydroxycobalamin (inactive)
• Adenosylcobalamin (active)
• Glutathionylcobalamin (inactive)
• Methylcobalamin (active)

Cyanocobalamin is the most common synthetic form of Vitamin B-12 (it does not occur in nature) and is used in many pharmaceuticals and supplements, and as a food additive, due to its stability and lower cost. In the body it is converted to the active, methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin, leaving behind the cyanide, albeit in minimal concentration.

More recently, methylcobalamin, and adenosylcobalamin (active forms of B12) have started to be used in pharmacological products and food supplements.  Evidence indicates that methylcobalamin is the more effective form of B12 to take since cyanocobalamin must be converted into one of two metabolically active coenzyme forms, i.e. S-adenosylcobalamin or methylcobalamin.  Nutritional inadequacies, enzyme defects, and tissue abnormalities can reduce the body's ability to synthesize these active forms.

What does Methyl-B12 do?

Out of the B12 family, only methyl-B12 has the ability to activate the methionine / homocysteine biochemical pathway directly. It is this pathway that is responsible for the body's entire sulphur-based detoxification system and for the formation of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), the universal methyl donor. It is this pathway that is responsible for the formation of homocysteine, the "crossroads" molecule that is responsible either to reform methionine and SAMe or create cysteine, taurine, and glutathione.

Glutathione is the body's primary intracellular antioxidant and is responsible for many detoxification reactions, most notably those that involve the binding and removal of mercury, lead, cadmium, arsenic, nickel, tin, antimony, and many other lesser-known heavy metals that also bind to glutathione's sulphur group.

Methylcobalamin also plays an important role in red blood cell formation, methylation reactions, brain and nervous system function, and immune system regulation.

Methyl-B12 & Autism

Methylcobalamin appears to have a greater impact on the unique metabolic biochemistry seen in children with regressive autism. A growing body of evidence indicates that children on the autism spectrum have complex biochemical abnormalities including impaired methylation chemistry with increased oxidative stress, alterations in detoxification pathways, significant gastrointestinal pathology resulting in nutritional deficits, neurotoxicity associated with additional compromised metabolic issues, and immune dysregulation, all leading to impaired CNS or neurological function.

Researchers and clinicians are finding that nutritional support of methylation biochemistry with nutrients such as methylcobalamin shows promise in supporting the complex immune, metabolic, and neurological impairments seen in regressive autism.

Dr James A. Neubrander's has been using Methyl-B12 in the management of autism in children since 2002.  In Dr Neubrander's practice, 94% of children have been found to respond to methyl-B12 therapy.  Executive function is improved in 90% of children (awareness, cognition, appropriateness, eye contact when called, and "just being more like a normal kid"). Speech and language is improved in 80% of children (all phases including spontaneous language, more complex sentences, increased vocabulary, etc). Socialization and emotion is improved in 70% of the children (initiation and interactive play, understanding and feeling emotions) possibly for the first time or to a much more normal degree.

What is the most effective way of taking Methyl-B12?

The most effective way to take Methyl-B12 is by injection into the adipose tissue of the buttocks (less vascular; slower rate of release).

The alternative is to use a liposomal delivery system. The best delivery method is using phospholipids.  Studies in humans show that the absorption of phospholipids is higher than 90%. The manufacturers of ReadiSorb Methyl-B12 spray place Methyl-B12 in tiny nano size spheres called liposomes, which are absorbed readily into the body.

Liposomes are small spheres (100-500 nanometer size), or liquid bubbles, made from Essential Phospholipids (EPL). EPL are natural components of human and animal cell membranes. A continuous supply of EPL, or its constituents, is essential for cell maintenance.

ReadiSorb (Liposomal) Methyl B-12 Spray is the only liposomal methyl B12 supplement available. It provides almost the same bioavailability as the injections but without the pain and inconvenience.