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.
Vitamin B12 MH3A® Formula
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) exists in various chemical forms, all of which fulfil different tasks in the body. The natural forms of vitamin B12 that are directly effective in the body are known as "bioactive coenzymes". Synthetic vitamin B12 active ingredients, such as the frequently used cyanocobalamin, on the other hand, have no direct vitamin effect and must first be converted into a usable form by the body.
The biologically active coenzyme forms of vitamin B12 in the body are called methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin. Both act in different places and in completely different reactions, which is why humans need both forms of vitamin B12 and can also convert them into each other. Methylcobalamin acts in the cell plasma as part of the methylation cycle, which has a far-reaching influence on various areas of health such as haematopoiesis, the psyche and the nervous system. Adenosylcobalamin, on the other hand, acts in the mitochondria, the energy powerhouses of our cells. There it is part of the citrate cycle, the central metabolic cycle for the production of energy. Hydroxocobalamin is another natural form of vitamin B12 that is found in many foods. Large amounts of vitamin B12 in the blood are present in this form. Hydroxocobalamin binds particularly well to vitamin B12 transport molecules and is therefore excreted less quickly, making it the B12 with the best depot properties. Hydroxocobalamin can be easily converted by the body into the active coenzyme forms as required.
According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA):
Vitamin B12 contributes to:
- normal energy metabolism
- normal nervous system functioning
- normal homocysteine metabolism
- normal cognitive function
- normal erythropoiesis
- normal immune system functioning
- the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
- cell division
