B12 as cyanocobalamin
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Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12): Applications, Efficacy, and Safety
Introduction to Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)
Cyanocobalamin, a synthetic form of vitamin B12, is a crucial nutrient involved in various physiological functions, including DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation. It is widely used in pharmaceuticals, supplements, and as a food additive due to its stability and efficacy 38.
Cyanocobalamin as an Electrocatalyst
Recent studies have highlighted the potential of cyanocobalamin beyond its nutritional value. It has been identified as a robust electrocatalyst for water oxidation under neutral conditions. This macrocyclic complex, with cobalt at its core, demonstrates impressive stability and efficiency, making it a promising candidate for sustainable energy applications 1.
Pharmacokinetics and Bioavailability
The bioavailability of cyanocobalamin is a critical factor in its effectiveness as a supplement. A study comparing different oral formulations found that cyanocobalamin combined with an absorption enhancer, sodium N-[8-(2-hydroxybenzoyl)amino]caprylate (SNAC), significantly improved its bioavailability compared to standard formulations. This enhanced formulation also showed a faster absorption rate, making it a more efficient option for addressing vitamin B12 deficiencies 2.
Safety and Efficacy in Animal Feed
Cyanocobalamin is also used in animal nutrition. However, its safety depends on the production method. Cyanocobalamin produced by fermentation with Ensifer adhaerens strains has been evaluated for safety and efficacy. While some strains raised concerns due to the presence of antibiotic resistance genes and high endotoxin content, others were deemed safe for all animal species, consumers, and the environment when no viable cells or DNA of the production strain were detected in the final product 3789.
Therapeutic Applications and Conjugates
Cyanocobalamin's role extends to drug delivery systems. Conjugates of vitamin B12 have been synthesized to enhance solubility and stability, which are crucial for therapeutic applications. These conjugates can significantly increase the solubility of vitamin B12, making it more effective in various media and potentially improving its therapeutic efficacy 4.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Treatment
Despite its many benefits, cyanocobalamin has not shown efficacy in all therapeutic areas. A controlled trial investigating its use in treating winter seasonal affective disorder (SAD) found no significant difference between cyanocobalamin and placebo, suggesting that it may not be effective for this condition 5.
Stability and Microencapsulation
The stability of cyanocobalamin is a concern, especially under adverse conditions. Microencapsulation using the spray chilling technique has been shown to protect vitamin B12 effectively, maintaining its stability and controlled release over extended periods. This method offers a low-cost solution to enhance the shelf-life and efficacy of vitamin B12 supplements 6.
Sublingual Dosage for Vegans and Vegetarians
For populations at higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, such as vegans and vegetarians, sublingual supplementation has been studied. Both low and high sublingual dosages were effective in improving vitamin B12 status and related metabolic markers, with no significant difference between the dosages. This supports the use of lower, more frequent doses as a viable supplementation strategy 7.
Cytotoxicity and Antagonistic Effects
Cyanocobalamin derivatives, such as cyanocobalamin [c-lactam], have been found to antagonize vitamin B12 and cause cytotoxicity in cell cultures. This derivative inhibits key enzymes like methionine synthase and methylmalonyl-CoA mutase, leading to cell death. Methionine supplementation can protect against this cytotoxicity, highlighting the complex interactions of vitamin B12 derivatives in biological systems 10.
Conclusion
Cyanocobalamin is a versatile form of vitamin B12 with applications ranging from nutritional supplements to electrocatalysis. Its bioavailability can be enhanced with absorption enhancers, and its stability can be improved through microencapsulation. While it is effective in many areas, its role in treating certain conditions like SAD remains unproven. Safety evaluations are crucial, especially for products derived from fermentation processes, to ensure they are free from harmful contaminants.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Macrocyclic cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) as a homogeneous electrocatalyst for water oxidation under neutral conditions.
Cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) acts as a robust, stable, and homogeneous electrocatalyst for water oxidation under neutral conditions, with a faradaic efficiency of 97.50%.
Pharmacokinetics of oral cyanocobalamin formulated with sodium N-[8-(2-hydroxybenzoyl)amino]caprylate (SNAC): an open-label, randomized, single-dose, parallel-group study in healthy male subjects.
Oral cyanocobalamin formulated with SNAC shows promising pharmacokinetics and tolerability, potentially improving vitamin B12 uptake in deficiency treatment.
RCTSafety and efficacy of vitamin B12 (in the form of cyanocobalamin) produced by Ensifer spp. as a feed additive for all animal species based on a dossier submitted by VITAC EEIG
Vitamin B12 produced by Ensifer spp. is not safe for use in animal feed due to uncertainties in production strain identity and potential user safety risks.
Cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) conjugates with enhanced solubility.
Vitamin B12 conjugates with enhanced solubility can be used for drug delivery, with 2'-hydroxyl group conjugation enhancing solubility by 19-fold.
A controlled trial of cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) in the treatment of winter seasonal affective disorder.
Cyanocobalamin does not appear to be an effective short-term treatment for depression in winter seasonal affective disorder patients.
RCTImproving stability of vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) using microencapsulation by spray chilling technique.
The spray chilling technique effectively creates solid lipid microparticles with vitamin-B12, promoting better stability and controlled release without high temperatures or organic solvents.
Effect of two different sublingual dosages of vitamin B12 on cobalamin nutritional status in vegans and vegetarians with a marginal deficiency: A randomized controlled trial.
Sublingual dosages of 350 g/week (350 g/day) of vitamin B12 are more effective than 2000 g/week (one large oral dose) in improving vitamin B12 nutritional status in vegans and vegetarians with a marginal deficiency.
RCT
Very Rigorous JournalSafety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) produced by fermentation with Ensifer adhaerens CGMCC 19596 for all animal species (Hebei Huarong Pharmaceutical Co. ltd)
Cyanocobalamin produced by Ensifer adhaerens CGMCC 19596 fermentation is safe for all animal species, non-irritant to skin and eyes, and environmentally friendly, meeting animal nutritional requirements when administered via feed.
Safety of vitamin B12 (in the form of cyanocobalamin) produced by Ensifer adhaerens CNCM‐I 5541 for all animal species
Vitamin B12 produced by E. adhaerens CNCM I-5541 is safe for all animal species, consumers, and the environment, with no toxic compounds or viable cells detected in the most concentrated form.
Cyanocobalamin [c-lactam] inhibits vitamin B12 and causes cytotoxicity in HL60 cells: methionine protects cells completely.
Cyanocobalamin [c-lactam] antagonizes vitamin B12 in vitro and causes cell death from methionine deficiency, but methionine completely protects cells from this effect.
In Vitro Study