METHYCOBAL 500/MCG TAB 30/TAB

Benefits & Uses

Primary Benefit

Supports nerve function, myelin sheath maintenance, and red blood cell formation as the active coenzyme form of Vitamin B12

Health Claims

Supports normal neurological function and nerve conduction; contributes to red blood cell formation; reduces elevated homocysteine levels; supports myelin sheath integrity; alleviates symptoms of peripheral neuropathy

Common Deficiency Symptoms

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

Target Population

Adults with B12 deficiency, vegetarians and vegans, elderly individuals with reduced gastric acid, patients on long-term metformin or PPI therapy, individuals with peripheral neuropathy or diabetic neuropathy

Scientific Evidence Level

Strong

Usage & Dosage

Suggested Use

Take 1 tablet daily, preferably with or after a meal

Serving Size

1 Tablet

Servings Per Container

30

Recommended Daily Intake

Adults: 2.4mcg/day (RDA); therapeutic doses for deficiency or neuropathy typically range from 500-1500mcg/day

Upper Tolerable Limit

No Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) has been established for Vitamin B12 due to its low potential for toxicity.

Absorption Enhancers

Intrinsic factor (produced in the stomach) is essential for absorption; calcium supports 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 reactions, mild gastrointestinal discomfort, or headache at high doses

Toxicity Risk

Negligible

Upper Tolerable Limit

No Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) has been established for Vitamin B12 due to its low potential for toxicity.

Safety & Warnings

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to methylcobalamin (or any excipients); Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON).

Pregnancy Safety

Consult Doctor

Breastfeeding Safety

Safe

Children Suitability

Consult a physician for use in children; this 500mcg dose is formulated for adults

Interactions

Medication Interactions

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

Supplement Interactions

High-dose folic acid supplements can mask the anemia of a vitamin B12 deficiency, potentially delaying diagnosis and allowing neurological damage to progress.

Synergistic Nutrients

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

Special Populations

Target Population

Adults with B12 deficiency, vegetarians and vegans, elderly individuals with reduced gastric acid, patients on long-term metformin or PPI therapy, individuals with peripheral neuropathy or diabetic neuropathy

Children Suitability

Consult a physician for use in children; this 500mcg dose is formulated for adults

Pregnancy Safety

Consult Doctor

Breastfeeding Safety

Safe

Storage & Patient Advice

SFDA Storage Conditions

store below 25°c

Patient Counseling

Take 1 tablet (methylcobalamin 500 micrograms) by mouth once daily; it may be taken with or without food (take with food if it upsets your stomach). Tell your healthcare provider if you use metformin or long-term acid-suppressing therapy (e.g., PPIs/H2 blockers) as these can contribute to vitamin B12 deficiency.

Science & Evidence

Bioavailability Form

Methylcobalamin - the bioactive, coenzyme form of Vitamin B12 that is directly usable by the body without hepatic conversion, offering superior neurological bioavailability compared to cyanocobalamin

Water or Fat Soluble

Water-soluble

Scientific Evidence Level

Strong

Food Sources

Primarily found in animal products like meat (especially liver), fish, shellfish, eggs, and dairy products.

Product Information

Supplement Type

Vitamin

Certification

SFDA registered (Registration No. 26-50-98); manufactured by Eisai, Japan under GMP standards

Multivitamin Target

Single Nutrient

Nutrient Count

1