Methylcobalamin versus Cyanocobalamin: Conversion
When cyanocobalamin enters the body, it would be converted into both of the active forms of vitamin B12, including adenosylcobalamin and methylcobalamin. Similar to methylcobalamin, adenosylcobalamin plays many key roles in different aspects of body health. These include the production of myelin, which forms a protective sheath around nerve cells, and the metabolism of amino acids and fats. Deficiencies in these two forms of vitamin B12 would increase the risk of adverse side effects and neurological problems.
Both methylcobalamin and cyanocobalamin are reduced to a molecule of cobalamin that can be converted to the active forms of vitamin B12 within the body cells. Some studies have shown that it is possible to treat a deficiency of vitamin B12 with a mix of adenosylcobalamin and methylcobalamin or either cyanocobalamin. [4]
