What is the Difference Between Methylcobalamin and Adenosylcobalamin

The main difference between methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin is that methylcobalamin is involved in red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis, and nervous system functions, whereas adenosylcobalamin is involved in the breakdown of amino acids and fatty acids and the production of energy.

Both methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin are two forms of vitamin B12, but they have structural differences and functional differences.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Methylcobalamin 
      – Definition, Function 
2. What is Adenosylcobalamin
      – Definition, Function
3. Similarities – Methylcobalamin and Adenosylcobalamin
      – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Methylcobalamin and Adenosylcobalamin
      – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Adenosylcobalamin, Methylcobalamin, Vitamin B12

Difference Between Methylcobalamin and Adenosylcobalamin - Comparison Summary

What is Methylcobalamin

Methylcobalamin is an active form of vitamin B12 the body can readily use. It is also the most prevalent form of vitamin B12 in the blood. Certain bacteria in the soil and in the guts of animals produce methylcobalamin. Also, animal-based foods such as meat, fish, and dairy products are the main sources of methylcobalamin.

Moreover, methylcobalamin assists in the formation of red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Thus, a deficiency of methylcobalamin causes a type of anemia called megaloblastic anemia. It also helps in the functions of the nervous system function and participates in the metabolism of fatty acids and myelin formation. A deficiency of methylcobalamin can lead to nerve damage and neurological problems such as tingling or numbness in hands and feet, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking. Methylcobalamin is also involved in the DNA synthesis.

Methylcobalamin vs Adenosylcobalamin

Another important function of methylcobalamin is its role in the metabolism of homocysteine, which is an amino acid. Methylcobalamin helps to convert homocysteine into methionine, which is also an amino acid.

Methylcobalamin supplements come in various forms, including tablets, capsules, and sublingual (under-the-tongue) drops.

What is Adenosylcobalamin

Adenosylcobalamin is a form of vitamin B12. It is produced by certain bacteria in the soil and in the guts of animals, and it is commonly found in animal-based foods such as meat, fish, and dairy products. It is an active form of vitamin B12 the body can readily use.

Adenosylcobalamin is involved in a  process known as the Krebs cycle. This compound helps to facilitate the breakdown of fatty acids and certain amino acids, which are converted into acetyl-Co A, which is a compound that enters the Krebs cycle to produce ATP.

Compare Methylcobalamin and Adenosylcobalamin - What's the difference?

It also participates in the metabolism of odd-chain fatty acids and some amino acids such as valine, isoleucine, and methionine. A deficiency in adenosylcobalamin may lead to the accumulation of toxic metabolites such as methylmalonic acid, which can cause nerve damage and other health problems.

Adenosylcobalamin also participates in the synthesis of myelin, which is a protective sheath that covers nerve cells, enabling fast and efficient transmission of electrical signals. Thus, a deficiency in adenosylcobalamin can lead to nerve damage and various neurological problems. It is also important in the immune system. It helps to support the production of white blood cells, which are essential for fighting off infections and other diseases. A deficiency in adenosylcobalamin can lead to a weakened immune system and an increased risk of infections. In addition, adenosylcobalamin helps to convert homocysteine into methionine.

Similarities Between Methylcobalamin and Adenosylcobalamin

  • Methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin are forms of vitamin B12.
  • Both compounds involve in the metabolism of homocysteine.

Difference Between Methylcobalamin and Adenosylcobalamin

Definition

Methylcobalamin is a form of vitamin B12 that plays a crucial role in the formation of red blood cells, DNA synthesis, and neurological function, whereas adenosylcobalamin is a form of vitamin B12 that plays a crucial role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as the production of energy in cells.

Functions

Methylcobalamin has functions such as assisting in the formation of red blood cells, participating in the formation of fatty acids and myelin sheath, involving in the DNA synthesis and metabolism of homocysteine, while adenosylcobalamin’s functions include the involvement in the Krebs cycle, participating in the metabolism of odd chain fatty acids and amino acids, production of white blood cells, participating in the synthesis of myelin, and in the metabolism of homocysteine.

Conclusion

The main difference between methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin is that methylcobalamin is involved in red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis, and nervous system functions, whereas adenosylcobalamin is involved in the breakdown of amino acids and fatty acids and the production of energy.

Reference:

1. “B12 – Adenosylcobalamine.”Prinova Global.
2. “Treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency-methylcobalamine? Cyancobalamine? Hydroxocobalamin?-clearing the confusion.” PubMed. National Library of Medicine.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Methylcobalamin” By Alsosaid1987 – Own work(CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “AdoCbl-ColorCoded” By Alsosaid1987 – CHEMDRAW by me (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia

About the Author: Hasini A

Hasini is a graduate of Applied Science with a strong background in forestry, environmental science, chemistry, and management science. She is an amateur photographer with a keen interest in exploring the wonders of nature and science.

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