B12 support is critical for proper methylation cycle function, and therefore a key component of The Yasko Protocol. Vitamin B12 (also called “cobalamin”) is a water-soluble vitamin, which means it does not stay in the body for a long time.1-3 A range of factors (including diet, medication, and age) may necessitate more frequent support of B12 to maintain healthy levels of B12 in the body.1,4
There are several forms of B12. Not all types of B12 are equal, and not all types of B12 can be easily converted to the forms that are needed for critical reactions in the body. The body can process hydroxy, adenosyl, and methyl-B12 in its natural form.
I have found that individuals that are sensitive to supports designed to trigger detox may not be able to tolerate methyl B12. If you are experiencing issues taking methyl B12, listen to your body and discuss switching to another form of B12 with your health care professional.
Holistic Health International provides several different forms of B12, like our Hydroxy B12 MegaDrops™, Methyl B12 MegaDrops™, and Adenosyl B12 MegaDrops™. We also have a B12 Supplements Category here, which includes additional forms of B12 such as lozenges, patches, and capsules.
B12 is needed for the proper functioning of several different enzymes in the body and is important for cellular energy and healthy red blood cells.4-7 Lack of B12 has been associated with anemia, certain types of cancer, dementia, neural tube defects, and cognitive decline.3,5-8
How do I determine my ideal form of B12?
While we all need B12, each person is unique in which form of B12 is best suited for their genetics. The chart below can help you determine which form of B12 may be best tolerated by your system based on your DNA Nutrigenomic Test results.
Please note that while this chart can help guide you, it is important to pay attention to what your body is telling you. If a form of B12 (or any supplement) is not agreeing with you, discuss alternative options with your health care professional.
A Note From Dr. Amy
Where can I find my ideal forms of B12?
The information expressed on this webpage does not constitute an attempt to practice medicine nor does it establish a doctor-patient relationship. Content on the site is for informational and educational purposes only. The information expressed is not meant to replace you working with a physician or health care practitioner.
Information and statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or be used as the basis for treating a particular symptom or disease. Any products discussed or endorsed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases or be used as the basis for treating a particular symptom or disease. If you have specific healthcare concerns or questions about the products displayed, contact your licensed healthcare professional for advice or answers.
References:
1. Temova Rakuša Ž, Roškar R, Hickey N, Geremia S. Vitamin B(12) in Foods, Food Supplements, and Medicines-A Review of Its Role and Properties with a Focus on Its Stability. Molecules. Dec 28 2022;28(1)doi:10.3390/molecules28010240
2. Blake CJ. Analytical procedures for water-soluble vitamins in foods and dietary supplements: a review. Anal Bioanal Chem. Sep 2007;389(1):63-76. doi:10.1007/s00216-007-1309-9
3. Obeid R, Heil SG, Verhoeven MMA, van den Heuvel E, de Groot L, Eussen S. Vitamin B12 Intake From Animal Foods, Biomarkers, and Health Aspects. Front Nutr. 2019;6:93. doi:10.3389/fnut.2019.00093
4. O'Leary F, Samman S. Vitamin B12 in health and disease. Nutrients. Mar 2010;2(3):299-316. doi:10.3390/nu2030299
5. Azzini E, Raguzzini A, Polito A. A Brief Review on Vitamin B(12) Deficiency Looking at Some Case Study Reports in Adults. Int J Mol Sci. Sep 7 2021;22(18)doi:10.3390/ijms22189694
6. Rizzo G, Marino A. Chapter 3 - Cognitive impairment and micronutrients: Vitamin B12, folate, and homocysteine and implications for dementia. In: Martin CR, Patel VB, Preedy VR, eds. Vitamins and Minerals in Neurological Disorders. Academic Press; 2023:29-46.
7. Kumar SS, Chouhan RS, Thakur MS. Trends in analysis of vitamin B12. Anal Biochem. Mar 15 2010;398(2):139-49. doi:10.1016/j.ab.2009.06.041
8. Thompson MD, Cole DE, Ray JG. Vitamin B-12 and neural tube defects: the Canadian experience. Am J Clin Nutr. Feb 2009;89(2):697s-701s. doi:10.3945/ajcn.2008.26947B
