B-12 - Prolonged Release, 1000 mcg 60 tab

Question:
How is Methyl B12 absorbed differently than cyanocobalamin?

Answer:
Cyanocobalamin, the most common form of vitamin B12, is taken orally where it travels to the stomach. Here, Intrinsic
Factor (IF) and adequate stomach acid separate B12 from food and cyanocobalamin is then broken down as cyano +
cobalamin. This free cobalamin needs to be methylated (a methyl group needs to attach) to be distributed in the blood.
Methyl groups can come from betaine or other methyl-containing compounds. In contrast, methylcobalamin (as in our
Methyl B12 Lozenges, #209) simply gets absorbed via the intestines and then is circulated into the blood—eliminating
the step to wait for methylation of the molecule.

Question:
What type of cobalamin do you use?

Answer:
All of our vitamin B12 products are in the cyanocobalamin form, except for our Methyl B12 Lozenges (#206) which use
methylcobalamin.

Question:
What does double absorption on the B12, 500 mcg (#204) label mean and how does it compare to an “sublingual” B12?

Answer:

Because the FDA stipulates a product labeled “sublingual” is classified as a drug, we do not call our dietary supplement
product “sublingual.” Thus, we refer to ours as a “lozenge” instead. Semantics aside, our “double absorption” vitamin B12
undergoes a unique production process.
First, it is important to understand the absorption and transportation of B12 in the body. B12 (cyanocobalamin) is
synthesized by microorganisms in our gastrointestinal tract. It occurs as part of a protein complex in animal proteins. B12
absorption involves the following steps:

1. Ingested B12 is broken down by enzymes and hydrochloric acid.
2. B12 then binds with an R protein and is transported from the stomach to the small intestine. R proteins are
found in saliva and gastric juices. Once in the small intestine, B12 is released.
3. The unbound cobalamin then binds to another specific protein called Intrinsic Factor (IF), which is necessary for
the absorption of B12 in the small intestine.
4. After crossing the intestinal lining, B12 breaks off from the IF and binds to still another carrier protein. The
protein, transcobalamin, transports vitamin B12 to the bloodstream.
This specially processed cobalamin contains a resin that responds to particular pH levels. As the tablet disintegrates, the
nutrient is protected by the resin until it reaches the small intestine. It is here where the pH is high enough to allow the
resin to release the B12. This process can essentially double the absorption of vitamin B12. That’s why we call our formula
“double absorption” B12.
Based on an extensive review of available data, this form of B12 was better absorbed than oral B12. We offer B12
Lozenge 1,000 mcg (#418) in a tasty raspberry flavor.

We can find no documentation that shows B12 is better absorbed if it combines with the R protein in the saliva versus in
the stomach.