What is the Difference Between Methylcobalamin and Cyanocobalamin

The main difference between methylcobalamin and cyanocobalamin is that methylcobalamin is the naturally-occurring form of vitamin B12 that comes through either food sources or supplements, whereas cyanocobalamin is the synthetic form of vitamin B12 that occur only in supplements.

Methylcobalamin and cyanocobalamin are two forms of vitamin B12. Generally, methylcobalamin naturally occurs in animal-based food and cyanocobalamin is the most common form of vitamin B12 supplements that are in the chemically synthesized form.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Methylcobalamin
   • Definition, Structure, Function
2. What is Cyanocobalamin
   • Definition, Structure, Function
3. Similarities Between Methylcobalamin and Cyanocobalamin
   • Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Methylcobalamin and Cyanocobalamin
   • Comparison with Key Differences

Key Terms

Cyanocobalamin, Methylcobalamin, Vitamin B12

What is Methylcobalamin

Methylcobalamin is the naturally-occurring form of vitamin B12, mainly found in animal-based foods. The main characteristic feature of methylcobalamin is the presence of octahedral cobalt (III) center. It naturally occurs as bright red crystals. Methylcobalamin also contains a metal-alkyl bond. Physiologically, it is equivalent to vitamin B12. Therefore, methylcobalamin is important in preventing and treating vitamin B12 deficiency.

Figure 1: Methylcobalamin

Furthermore, methylcobalamin is important in treating peripheral neuropathy, and diabetic neuropathy, and as a preliminary treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In addition, it is one of the most active coenzymes in vitamin B12-dependent enzymes. Some bacteria also produce methylcobalamin and in the environment, methylcobalamin serves as a biomethylation compound of certain heavy metals.

What is Cyanocobalamin

Cyanocobalamin is the synthetic form of cobalamin or vitamin B12. It is manufactured to treat vitamin B12 deficiency. In general, vitamin B12 deficiency occurs in pernicious anemia, following surgical removal of the stomach, with fish tapeworm, or due to bowel cancer. Moreover, the administration methods of cyanocobalamin include oral administration, injection into a muscle, or a nasal spray. In addition, the side effects of cyanocobalamin include diarrhea and itchiness.

Figure 2: Cyanocobalamin

Moreover, in cyanocobalamin, the cobalt-cyano group replaces the cobalt-alkyl group of methylcobalamin.    

Similarities Between Methylcobalamin and Cyanocobalamin

• Methylcobalamin and cyanocobalamin are two forms of vitamin B12.
• Both are important in treating vitamin B12 deficiency.
• Generally, vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin important in red cell production, brain health, and DNA synthesis.
• Fatigue, nerve damage, digestive issues, and neurological problems like depression and memory loss are the serious symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency.
• Methylcobalamin and cyanocobalamin are the most common sources of vitamin B12 that occur in supplements.

Difference Between Methylcobalamin and Cyanocobalamin

Definition

Methylcobalamin refers to the naturally-occurring form of vitamin B12, mainly found in animal-based foods while cyanocobalamin refers to the synthetic form of cobalamin or vitamin B12.  

Form

Usually, methylcobalamin is naturally-occurring while cyanocobalamin is synthetic.

Source

Bacteria synthesize methylcobalamin and methylcobalamin occurs in animal-based foods while cyanocobalamin is synthetic.

Importance

Generally, bacteria synthesize methylcobalamin while cyanocobalamin is important in treating vitamin B12 deficiency.  

Conclusion

In brief, methylcobalamin is a naturally-occurring form of cobalamin or vitamin B12. It is synthesized by bacteria and serves as a biomethylation compound of certain heavy metals. Other than that, methylcobalamin occurs in animal-based foods. Moreover, it is important in treating peripheral neuropathy, and diabetic neuropathy, and as a preliminary treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Cyanocobalamin, on the other hand, contains a cyano group by replacing the methyl group of methylcobalamin. Furthermore,  cyanocobalamin is a synthetic form of cobalamin used in treating vitamin B 12 deficiency. Therefore, the main difference between methylcobalamin and cyanocobalamin is their occurrence.

References:

1. Wikimedia Foundation. (2022, May 15). Methylcobalamin. Wikipedia. Retrieved August 14, 2022.
2. Wikimedia Foundation. (2022, June 29). Cyanocobalamin. Wikipedia. Retrieved August 14, 2022.

Image Courtesy:

1. “B12 methylcobalamin” By Sbharris – Own Work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Various reduced forms of Cyanocobalamin” By LHcheM – Own Work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia