Vitamin B12, Methylcobalamin
Methylcobalamin is one of the active forms of Vitamin B12 that the body can readily use. Once absorbed into the bloodstream, it is transported to cells where it is involved in various enzymatic reactions. Vitamin B12 is involved in numerous processes in the body, including the production of red blood cells, DNA synthesis, energy metabolism, and the maintenance of a healthy nervous system. Methylcobalamin specifically participates in these functions by acting as a coenzyme in certain biochemical reactions.
Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in various bodily processes, including nerve function, DNA synthesis, and the formation of red blood cells. Adequate levels of vitamin B12 are essential for nerve function and cognitive health, which can influence quality of life as we age. Additionally, vitamin B12 is involved in energy production and metabolism, which can contribute to vitality and healthy aging.
Benefits:
Energy production: Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It helps convert food into glucose, which is the primary source of energy for the body. By ensuring an adequate supply of vitamin B12, methylcobalamin can support optimal energy production.
Nervous system health: Methylcobalamin is involved in the formation of myelin, a protective sheath that surrounds nerve fibers and facilitates proper nerve signaling. Adequate vitamin B12 levels can contribute to the maintenance of a healthy nervous system, promoting optimal nerve function.
Cognitive function: Vitamin B12 deficiency has been linked to cognitive health decline and decreased brain function. Methylcobalamin may help support memory, concentration, and overall cognitive performance. Adequate levels of B12 are important for maintaining mental clarity and preventing cognitive decline.
Mood regulation: Some research suggests that vitamin B12 supplementation, including methylcobalamin, may have a positive impact on mood and mental well-being as well as preventing depression prognosis. Adequate B12 levels are essential for the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which play a role in mood regulation.
Heart health: Vitamin B12, including methylcobalamin, is involved in the metabolism of homocysteine, an amino acid that, when elevated, is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. By helping to regulate homocysteine levels, methylcobalamin may contribute to heart health.
Vegetarian and vegan diets: Methylcobalamin supplementation is particularly important for individuals following vegetarian or vegan diets, as plant-based foods generally do not provide sufficient vitamin B12. Vegetarians and vegans are at a higher risk of B12 deficiency, and methylcobalamin supplements can help meet their dietary needs.
Vitamin B12 effects on 12 Hallmarks of Aging:
Telomere Attrition:
Adequate B12 levels support DNA replication and repair, indirectly aiding telomere maintenance; by reducing oxidative stress, methylcobalamin may protect against telomere damage and maintain telomere length, mitigating cellular aging.
Epigenetic Alterations:
B12 plays a vital role in epigenetics by contributing to DNA methylation through methionine synthesis, impacting gene expression patterns and supporting proper epigenetic regulation by providing essential methyl groups.
Cellular Senescence:
Vitamin B12 plays a role in preventing cellular senescence because it is essential in regulating homocysteine levels, preventing cellular damage and aging, and plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis, preserving DNA integrity.
Inflammation:
B12 antioxidant properties reduce oxidative stress, helping mitigate inflammation, and its role in supporting the immune system aids in regulating the inflammatory response.
Genomic instability:
For genomic stability, B12 is essential in DNA synthesis, repair, and gene expression regulation through DNA methylation, reducing the risk of DNA damage and chromosomal instability by converting homocysteine to methionine and preventing its accumulation.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction:
B12 is crucial for energy metabolism and ATP production, supporting mitochondrial function through its involvement in methylation reactions, including Coenzyme Q10 synthesis, vital for ATP production and mitochondrial health.
Stem Cell Exhaustion:
B12 adequate levels support stem cell differentiation and proliferation for tissue regeneration, as its involvement in DNA methylation may indirectly influence stem cell behavior through epigenetic regulation.
Loss of Proteostasis:
B12 helps maintain proteostasis by reducing oxidative stress, preventing protein misfolding, and aggregation through its antioxidant properties.
Deregulated Nutrient Sensing:
B12 is involved in cellular nutrient sensing, energy metabolism, and gene expression regulation, and its adequate levels are crucial for normal insulin function, as deficiency is associated with insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism.
Intercelluar Communication:
Playing a fundamental role in cellular communication, B12 is essential for myelin production, neurotransmitter synthesis, and as a cofactor for methylation reactions, which regulate gene expression.
Microbiome Dysbiosis:
B12 supports the gut epithelial barrier, protecting against harmful bacteria and toxins; its involvement in gut bacteria metabolism, absorption, and nutrient utilization helps maintain a balanced gut microbial community.
Sources:
Vitamin B12 Supplementation: Preventing Onset and Improving Prognosis of Depression:
Vitamin B12: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals:
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/
Vitamin B12 deficiency:
https://bevital.no/pdf_files/literature/green_2017_nrdp_3_17040.pdf
