B12
Also known as Vitamin B12, Cobalamin, Cyanocobalamin, Methylcobalamin, Hydroxocobalamin
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is a cobalt-containing vitamin required for DNA synthesis, methylation, and mitochondrial metabolism. Research centers on the causes, diagnosis, and correction of deficiency. The form of B12 in this product is not specified.
Approved drug substance
Size
2 options- Catalog no.
- —
- Specification
- 3ml*10vials
- Per kit
- 10 vials
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or animal consumption. Buyers must be 21 or older.
Overview
Vitamin B12 is a corrinoid compound built around a central cobalt atom. Only certain bacteria and archaea make it, and people obtain it mainly from animal-derived foods. Absorption depends on gastric acid, intrinsic factor from the stomach, and receptors in the terminal ileum. Common forms include cyanocobalamin and hydroxocobalamin, which are approved drugs, and the coenzyme forms methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin. The form in this product is not specified. Deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia and neurological damage. Its causes include pernicious anemia, malabsorption, diets low in animal foods, and long-term use of some medicines, such as metformin.
Class: Water-soluble vitamin (cobalamin)
Mechanism of action
How the compound acts, as described in the literature.
Methylcobalamin is the cofactor for methionine synthase, which converts homocysteine to methionine and regenerates tetrahydrofolate for DNA synthesis.
Adenosylcobalamin is the cofactor for methylmalonyl-CoA mutase, which converts methylmalonyl-CoA to succinyl-CoA in mitochondria.
When methionine synthase activity falls, folate becomes trapped as 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, which limits DNA synthesis and produces megaloblastic changes in dividing cells.
Deficiency raises plasma homocysteine and methylmalonic acid, which are used as functional markers alongside serum B12 and holotranscobalamin.
Published research
Selected studies, each linked to its PubMed record. Summaries describe what the studies reported.
2013
Review
PMID 23301732Clinical practice. Vitamin B12 deficiency.
Stabler SP. · N Engl J Med
Clinical review of vitamin B12 deficiency covering its causes, including pernicious anemia and malabsorption, its hematologic and neurologic presentations, and diagnostic testing with serum B12, methylmalonic acid, and homocysteine.
2017
Review
PMID 28660890Vitamin B12 deficiency.
Green R, et al. · Nat Rev Dis Primers
Primer on B12 deficiency. Subclinical deficiency was estimated at 2.5% to 26% of the general population, depending on the definition. Diagnosis relies on total B12, holotranscobalamin, homocysteine, and methylmalonic acid, with debated cut-offs.
2016
Secondary analysis of RCT
PMID 26900641Long-term Metformin Use and Vitamin B12 Deficiency in the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study.
Aroda VR, et al. · J Clin Endocrinol Metab
In the Diabetes Prevention Program and its Outcomes Study, long-term metformin use was associated with biochemical B12 deficiency (odds ratio 1.13 per year of use) and anemia. Neuropathy was more common with low B12.
Evidence & safety
What the research does not show, and the adverse events and regulatory status it reports.
Most research concerns deficiency, and evidence that extra B12 changes outcomes in people with normal levels is limited. In the DIVINe trial in diabetic nephropathy, a high-dose combination of folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 led to faster kidney function decline and more vascular events than placebo. Cyanocobalamin injection labeling warns of anaphylaxis, of rapid optic nerve atrophy in early Leber's disease, and of hypokalemia during treatment of severe megaloblastic anemia.
Specifications
All sizes, exactly as catalogued.
| Catalog no. | Product | Specification | Vials per kit |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | B12 | 3ml*10vials | 10 |
| — | B12 | 10ml*10vials | 10 |
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or animal consumption. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Research summaries are provided for educational purposes and do not describe this product’s use.