What you need to know about the risks of supplementing with Cyanocobalamin

Introduction:

In recent years, the use of dietary supplements has increased significantly as people strive to optimize their health. One commonly used supplement is cyanocobalamin, a synthetic form of vitamin B12. However, despite its popularity, there are important reasons why you should think twice before supplementing with cyanocobalamin. In this blog post, we will explore the potential risks and drawbacks associated with this particular form of B12 supplementation.

1. Limited Bioavailability

Cyanocobalamin is not the most bioavailable form of vitamin B12. This means that your body may struggle to absorb and utilize it efficiently. Compared to other forms such as methylcobalamin, cyanocobalamin requires conversion in the body before it can be utilized effectively. This conversion process can be hindered by various factors such as age, genetics, and underlying health conditions, rendering the supplement less effective overall.

2. Presence of Cyanide:

One of the major downsides of cyanocobalamin is the presence of cyanide. This form of B12 is stabilized by a cyanide molecule, which is released during metabolism. Although the amount of cyanide released is relatively small, long-term or high-dose supplementation may lead to an accumulation of cyanide in the body. While toxic effects are rare, individuals with compromised detoxification capabilities may be more vulnerable to adverse effects.

3. Potential Allergic Reactions:

Supplementing with cyanocobalamin can also pose a risk of triggering allergic reactions in some individuals. Although rare, certain individuals may be sensitive or allergic to cyanocobalamin or the additives commonly found in supplements containing this form of B12. Allergic reactions range from mild symptoms like skin rashes and itching to potentially severe responses like difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis.

4. Interference with Natural B12 Forms:

Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic source of B12. Using cyanocobalamin as a supplement may interfere with the absorption and utilization of other natural forms of B12 found in food sources. As mentioned earlier, the conversion process required to activate cyanocobalamin can be hindered by various factors, potentially limiting the body’s ability to benefit fully from naturally occurring vitamin B12 sources.

5. Better Alternatives Available:

Luckily, there are alternative forms of B12 supplementation that offer better bioavailability and fewer associated risks. Methylcobalamin, for example, is already activated and readily absorbed by the body. It bypasses the need for conversion, making it a more effective choice for most individuals. Consult with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to explore suitable alternatives and determine the most appropriate form of vitamin B12 supplementation for your unique needs.

Conclusion:

While cyanocobalamin has been widely used as a form of vitamin B12 supplementation, it is essential to consider the potential risks and drawbacks associated with its use. Limited bioavailability, the presence of cyanide, allergic reactions, interference with natural B12 forms, and the availability of better alternatives should all be taken into account. Before starting any supplementation regimen, it is always wise to consult with your healthcare professional who can guide you in making informed decisions about your health.

At Pure Health Medical our healthcare providers will help you find what forms of vitamins are best suited for your body and genetic makeup as well as finding out the highest route of absorption.  For example some people have a genetic variant that makes it hard for you to convert certain vitamins to the proper forms.  If a patient has this variant we would want to choose methylated forms of B12 and other vitamins.  Another is that some are sensitive to methylated forms, so we need to use a hydroxyl form of B12 called hydroxocobalamin.  And if this wasn’t complicated enough, some people have an inability to absorb B12 no matter what form. This is called Pernicious Anemia.  In this instance a person cannot produce intrinsic factor or have an autoimmune condition to it and will need to get their adequate dosage in an injectable delivery method.