Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
Vitamin B12 fulfils a number of important functions in the body. Among other things, it can help to reduce tiredness and fatigue and maintain a normal energy metabolism. It contributes to the normal functioning of the psyche, immune and nervous systems, supports the formation of red blood cells and is beneficial for normal homocysteine metabolism. The body also needs vitamin B12 for cell division. Vitamin B12 acts as a so-called coenzyme in the body, meaning it is necessary for certain enzymes in our body to fulfil their tasks. The associated reactions are directly dependent on vitamin B12 and cannot take place without the vitamin.
Natural, Bioactive Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) exists in various forms, each with different roles in the body. The natural forms of vitamin B12 that are directly active in the body are referred to as "bioactive coenzymes". Synthetic forms of vitamin B12, such as the commonly used cyanocobalamin, do not have direct vitamin activity and must be converted by the body into a usable form.
Methylcobalamin & Adenosylcobalamin
Methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin are the two natural, bioactive coenzyme forms of vitamin B12. They can be utilised directly by the body without prior conversion and are characterised by their excellent absorption capacity.
While methylcobalamin is the dominant form in the blood and cell plasma and is required for the important methylation cycle (where it contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism, among other things), adenosylcobalamin is the key form that acts in the mitochondria (the energy powerhouses of the cells).
According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA):
Vitamin B12 contributes to:
- normal energy metabolism
- normal functioning of the nervous system
- normal homocysteine metabolism
- normal mental function
- normal formation of red blood cells
- normal function of the immune system
- reduction of tiredness and fatigue
- cell division
