Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin)

Vitamin B12, as Methylcobalamin, is a water-soluble member of the B-Vitamin Complex that is stored in the liver. It must be present for new cells to form, yet only microorganisms and bacteria can make it – we cannot. Even though it primarily functions as a coenzyme involved in carbohydrate and fat metabolism, it assists Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) to make DNA and also helps make the body's blood cells.

Moderate alcohol consumption will affect Vitamin B12 absorption, potentially resulting in deficiency.^[1] This deficiency can negatively affect your body's bone marrow and digestive tract.

Vitamin B12 also maintains healthy nerve cells. Without enough of it, nerve transmission suffers, and people can experience irreversible nerve damage. It's a slow process that can ultimately end in death.

As we age, our bodies become less efficient at making melatonin – the hormone responsible for a good night's sleep. Vitamin B12 can help support the body because of its role in melatonin production.^[2]

Be careful! Most nutritional supplements use Vitamin B12 in the form of cyanocobalamin, which the liver must convert to methylcobalamin. Make sure the B12 in your nutritional supplement is in the form of Methylcobalamin – the more active and bio-available form.^[3]

Ingredient Research
1. http://www.liverdisease.com/fatigue_hepatitis.html
2. Hashimoto S, Kohsaka M, Morita N, Fukuda N, Honma S, Honma K (December 1996). "Vitamin B12 enhances the
    phase-response of circadian melatonin rhythm to a single bright light exposure in humans".Neuroscience
    Letters 220 (2): 129–32.
3. Tsao CS, Myashita K. Influence of cobalamin on the survival of mice bearing ascites
    tumor. Pathobiology. 1993;61:104–108.

Additional Resources
1. http://dietary-supplements.info.nih.gov/factsheets/vitaminb12.asp
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_b12