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Methyl-B12 Improves Alertness And Concentration Updates From Murray, N.D.

Vitamin B12 is available in several forms. The most common form is cyanocobalamin. Vitamin B12, however, is most active in the form of methylcobalamin. While methylcobalamin is active immediately upon absorption, cyanocobalamin must be converted to methylcobalamin by the body removing the cyanide molecule (the amount of cyanide produced in this process is extremely small) and adding a methyl group. Cyanocobalamin is not active in many experimental models while methylcobalamin demonstrates exceptional activity. A recent clinical study also demonstrated improved activity with methylcobalamin versus cyanocobalamin. In recent years, several studies have shown that vitamin B12 in the form of methylcobalamin (dosage 1.5 mg to 3 mg) is an effective treatment for sleep-wake disorders (shift workers, excessive daytime sleepiness, restless nights, and frequent nighttime awakenings). Subjects taking methylcobalamin experience improved sleep quality, increased day time alertness and concentration, and, in some cases, improved mood. Much of the benefit appears to result from methylcobalamin influencing melatonin secretion. The study was designed to evaluate the effect of methylcobalamin vs. cyanocobalamin on circadian rhythms, well-being, alertness, and concentration in healthy subjects. The 20 subjects (mean age 36 years) were randomly assigned to treatment for 14 days with 3 mg cyanocobalamin or methylcobalamin after 9 days. The results indicated a significant advantage for methylcobalamin. Some of the interesting findings included that methylcobalamin was significantly more effective even though blood levels of cobalamin increased more significantly in the cyanocobalamin than the methylcobalamin group. Clearly, this shows methylcobalamin is much more biologically active than cyanocoba amin. Methylcobalamin supplementation led to a significant decrease in daytime melatonin levels: improved sleep quality, shorter sleep cycles, increased feelings of alertness, better concentration, and a feeling of waking up refreshed in the morning. These results confirm other double-blind studies in people with sleep-wake disturbances and broadens the spectrum of those who can benefit from vitamin B12 therapy to include anyone seeking a better night sleep and improved daytime alertness. Reference: Mayer G., Kroger M., Meier-Ewert K. Effects of vitamin B12 on performance and circadian rhythm in normal subjects. Neuropsychopharmacol 1996;15:456-64.