COBAL 500/MCG FC TAB 30/FC TAB

Benefits & Uses

Primary Benefit

Supports neurological function, red blood cell formation, and DNA synthesis as an active, bioavailable form of Vitamin B12

Health Claims

Contributes to normal neurological function; supports red blood cell formation; reduces fatigue and tiredness; contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism; supports DNA synthesis and cell division

Common Deficiency Symptoms

Peripheral neuropathy, numbness and tingling in hands and feet, megaloblastic anemia, fatigue, memory impairment, glossitis, depression, and subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord

Target Population

Vegetarians and vegans, elderly individuals with reduced gastric acid, patients on long-term metformin or PPI therapy, individuals with peripheral neuropathy, patients with pernicious anemia, and those with confirmed B12 deficiency

Scientific Evidence Level

Strong

Onset Timeline

Blood B12 levels improve within 1-2 weeks; neurological symptom improvement may take 4-12 weeks; anemia correction typically within 6-8 weeks of consistent supplementation

Usage & Dosage

Suggested Use

Take 1 tablet daily, preferably with a meal

Serving Size

1 film-coated tablet

Servings Per Container

30

Recommended Daily Intake

Adults: 2.4µg/day; therapeutic doses for deficiency: 500-1000µg/day

Upper Tolerable Limit

No established UL; no adverse effects reported from high oral doses due to limited absorption

Absorption Enhancers

Intrinsic factor (produced in the stomach); calcium facilitates ileal absorption; taking with food stimulates intrinsic factor secretion

Absorption Inhibitors

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 blockers, and metformin reduce absorption; alcohol impairs B12 metabolism; high-dose folic acid can mask B12 deficiency

Side Effects

Possible Side Effects

Generally well-tolerated at recommended doses; rare reports of acne-like skin eruptions, mild diarrhea, or itching at very high doses

Toxicity Risk

Negligible

Upper Tolerable Limit

No established UL; no adverse effects reported from high oral doses due to limited absorption

Safety & Warnings

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to methylcobalamin/vitamin B12 or cobalt; Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (avoid)

Pregnancy Safety

Consult Doctor

Breastfeeding Safety

Safe (compatible with breastfeeding at usual oral doses)

Children Suitability

Suitable for children under medical supervision; dose adjustment required based on age and weight

Interactions

Medication Interactions

Metformin reduces B12 absorption with long-term use; PPIs and H2 receptor antagonists decrease gastric acid impairing absorption; chloramphenicol may reduce hematopoietic response; colchicine reduces absorption

Supplement Interactions

High-dose folic acid (>1000µg/day) can mask B12 deficiency anemia; vitamin C taken simultaneously with meals may destroy B12 - take separately

Synergistic Nutrients

Folate (B9) and B12 work synergistically in homocysteine metabolism; Vitamin B6 complements B12 in neurological support; iron supports red blood cell formation alongside B12

Special Populations

Target Population

Vegetarians and vegans, elderly individuals with reduced gastric acid, patients on long-term metformin or PPI therapy, individuals with peripheral neuropathy, patients with pernicious anemia, and those with confirmed B12 deficiency

Children Suitability

Suitable for children under medical supervision; dose adjustment required based on age and weight

Pregnancy Safety

Consult Doctor

Breastfeeding Safety

Safe (compatible with breastfeeding at usual oral doses)

Storage & Patient Advice

SFDA Storage Conditions

store below 30°c

Patient Counseling

Take 1 tablet (methylcobalamin 500 micrograms) by mouth once daily; may be taken with or without food (take with food if it upsets your stomach) and take it consistently at the same time each day. If you use metformin or long-term acid-suppressing therapy (PPI/H2 blocker), you are at increased risk of vitamin B12 deficiency-discuss periodic B12 monitoring with your clinician. People with low dietary intake (e.g., vegans/strict vegetarians) may need ongoing supplementation. Do not take high-dose folic acid alone to treat anemia/neurologic symptoms because it can mask B12 deficiency. Store below 30°C.

Science & Evidence

Bioavailability Form

Methylcobalamin - the neurologically active coenzyme form of B12 that does not require hepatic conversion, offering superior bioavailability and direct utilization compared to cyanocobalamin

Water or Fat Soluble

Water-soluble

Scientific Evidence Level

Strong

Onset Timeline

Blood B12 levels improve within 1-2 weeks; neurological symptom improvement may take 4-12 weeks; anemia correction typically within 6-8 weeks of consistent supplementation

Food Sources

Beef liver, clams, sardines, salmon, tuna, beef, eggs, dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt); negligible amounts in plant foods

Product Information

Supplement Type

Vitamin

Certification

SFDA registered (Registration No. 802256852); GMP manufactured by JPM, Jordan

Multivitamin Target

Single Nutrient

Nutrient Count

1