The main difference between hydroxy B12 and methyl B12 is that hydroxy B12 contains a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to the cobalt atom in the molecule, whereas methyl B12 contains a methyl group (-CH3) attached to the cobalt atom in the molecule.
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for the proper functioning of the human body. It is associated with a variety of processes in the body, such as DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and neurological function. It is also necessary for the metabolism of fatty acids and amino acids. Hydroxy B12 and methyl B12 are two different forms of vitamin B12.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Hydroxy B12
– Definition, Features, Structure
2. What is Methyl B12
– Definition, Features, Structure
3. Difference Between Hydroxy B12 and Methyl B12
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Hydroxy B12, Methyl B12
What is Hydroxy B12
Hydroxy B12, or hydroxocobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin. The inactive form of vitamin B12 naturally occurs in certain foods such as meat and dietary products. When consumed, hydroxy B12 is converted in the liver into active forms of vitamin B12, including methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin. Then these active forms are used by the body for various functions, such as the formation of red blood cells and the maintenance of neurological health. One feature of hydroxy B12 is its longer half-life compared to other forms of B12, which means that it stays in the body for a longer period of time.
Hydroxy B12 is used in treating medical conditions such as cyanide poisoning. Hydroxy B12 can help detoxify cyanide by binding to it and converting it to a less harmful form that is excretable. It also has the potential as a dietary supplement. Hydroxy B12 is more easily converted into the active form of B12, which allows better absorption and utilization by the body. This makes hydroxy B12 more effective at increasing the B12 levels in the body than other forms of B12.
Hydroxy B 12 is generally safe. But sometimes, there may be potential side effects such as redness at the injection site, mild skin irritations, and rare cases of allergic reactions or anaphylaxis. It also interacts with medications such as chloramphenicol.
What is Methyl B12
Methyl B12 or methyl B12 is a biologically active form of vitamin B12. It is a water-soluble vitamin. Methyl B12 helps in DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and neurological function. It is an essential nutrient in maintaining health. Methyl B12 is one of two active forms of vitamin B12 in the human body.
Methyl B12 has the ability to support neurological health as it involves in the maintenance of myelin. Deficiency in methyl B12 can lead to neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and cognitive impairment. It also helps in the metabolism of homocysteine, which is an amino acid. Methyl B12 helps to convert homocysteine into methionine. It is also useful in treating vitamin B12 deficiency.
Although methyl B 12 is usually safe, it can cause mild skin irritations, redness at the injection site, and rare cases of allergic reactions or anaphylaxis. Methyl B12 interacts with certain medications, such as chloramphenicol and methotrexate, which reduces its effectiveness.
Difference Between Hydroxy B12 and Methyl B12
Definition
Hydroxy B12 is an inactive form of vitamin B12 that is water soluble, while methyl B12 is an active form of vitamin B12.
Structure
Hydroxy B12 contains a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to the cobalt atom in the molecule, whereas methyl B12 contains a methyl group (-CH3) attached to the cobalt atom in the molecule.
Absorption
Comparatively, the body can more easily absorb Methyl B12 than hydroxy B12.
Half-life
Hydroxy B12 has a longer half-life than methyl B12
Conclusion
Vitamin B 12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for the proper functioning of the human body. Hydroxy B12 and methyl B12 are two different forms of vitamin B12. The main difference between hydroxy B12 and methyl B12 is that hydroxy B12 contains a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to the cobalt atom in the molecule, whereas methyl B12 contains a methyl group (-CH3) attached to the cobalt atom in the molecule.
Reference:
1. “Methylcobalamin (Vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin).” Everyday Health.
Image Courtesy:
1. “B12 methylcobalamin” By Sbharris (Steven B. Harris) – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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