♣ Vitamin B12, also known as adenosylcobalamin or cyanocobalamin, is an essential water-soluble vitamin. It plays a key role in the body, including maintaining the normal function of the nervous system, promoting the production of red blood cells, and supporting DNA synthesis. The main difference between active B12 and B12 lies in their chemical forms and bioavailability.
1. Chemical form:
B12 mainly exists in the form of cyanide, hence known as cyanocobalamin. This is an artificially synthesized form and is not widely present in nature. On the other hand, active B12 exists in the form of adenosylcobalamin, which is a common form in nature.
2. Bioavailability:
Active B12 has high bioavailability in the body. Once ingested, it can be directly used by the body without the need for additional conversion processes. In contrast, Vitamin B12 needs to be converted into an active form through a series of chemical reactions in the body before it can function. This is because the cyanide in Vitamin B12 needs to bind with metabolites in the body to be converted into active B12.
♣ The advantage of active B12
It directly participates in some key metabolic pathways in the body. Especially in homocysteine metabolism and nervous system function, activate B12 has higher efficacy. Therefore, compared to B12, activate B12 may be more easily absorbed and utilized, especially for those who have difficulty in absorbing and converting vitamin B12, such as the elderly and those with gastrointestinal problems.
Although B12 can meet the body's needs in most cases, for certain populations, such as people with vitamin B12 malabsorption or special nutritional needs, activate B12 may be a better choice. However, individual responses to different forms of B12 may vary, so it is best to consult a medical professional when choosing a supplement.
♣ Vitamin B12 deficiency
Can lead to anemia, nervous system damage, and other health problems. Here are the risk factors and indications for testing for vitamin B12 deficiency:
1. Dietary deficiencies: Mainly not eating or consuming less vitamin B12-rich foods, such as animal foods (meat, fish, dairy products, and eggs).
2. Intestinal absorption problems: Certain conditions, such as gastrointestinal surgery, inflammatory bowel disease, inadequate stomach acid, and gastrointestinal parasitic infections, may affect the absorption of vitamin B12.
3. Certain medications: Long-term use of certain medications, such as proton pump inhibitors, antiepileptic drugs, antidepressants, etc., may interfere with the absorption or metabolism of vitamin B12.
♣ Indications for testing:
1. Anemia: Vitamin B12 deficiency is one of the main causes of reversible macrocytic anemia. Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and dizziness.
2. Nervous system problems: Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to nervous system damage, manifested as sensory abnormalities (such as tingling, numbness), coordination disorders, memory loss, and neuritis.
3. Specific populations: Pregnant women, the elderly, and strict vegetarians (especially vegans) are more likely to have a vitamin B12 deficiency.
To diagnose vitamin B12 deficiency, a blood test is usually required, including measuring vitamin B12 levels in the blood and related indicators, such as hemoglobin, mean red cell volume, etc. If vitamin B12 deficiency is suspected to be caused by absorption problems, a Schilling's test or measurement of methylmalonic acid (MMA) in urine can be conducted to assess the absorption of vitamin B12.
If you suspect a vitamin B12 deficiency, consult a doctor for relevant tests and diagnoses, and supplement vitamin B12 as needed.
Active B12 testing, also known as holo-transcobalamin (holoTC) testing, measures the biologically active form of B12 available for cellular absorption. HoloTC represents a small part of total B12, but it reflects the metabolically active part. Active B12 testing has potential advantages in detecting early or functional B12 deficiency because it can probe into the availability of B12 at the cellular level.