Which Vitamin B12 is Most Readily Absorbed?

Many people take extra Vitamin B12, particularly vegetarians and vegans, because Vitamin B12 is naturally found mainly in animal products. If you are taking Vitamin B12 supplements, it might be useful to know which form is most readily absorbed. We have outlined this for you below.

Vitamin B12 Supplements

B12 with Cyanocobalamin

Most B12 supplements contain cyanocobalamin. This form does not naturally occur in living organisms but has the advantage of being highly stable. However, this stability has a downside. To be used by the body, the cyano part must first be removed, and then the cobalamin must be converted into the active forms of Vitamin B12: methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin. These steps are not always efficient, especially in older individuals, those with stomach issues, or those using antacids.

Active Vitamin B12

There is clear evidence that taking an active Vitamin B12, such as methylcobalamin, is preferable to taking cyanocobalamin. Methylcobalamin is better retained by the tissues than cyanocobalamin. This does not mean that cyanocobalamin is not absorbed at all or has no effect. It simply takes longer to achieve the desired result.

Author: Sanne van der Rijt