Vitamin b12 cyanocobalamin
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The Multifaceted Role of Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)
Introduction to Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)
Cyanocobalamin, commonly known as vitamin B12, is a water-soluble vitamin essential for various physiological functions, including DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and neurological function. It is structurally unique, containing a cobalt ion at its core, which is crucial for its biological activity 1.
Cyanocobalamin as an Electrocatalyst
Interestingly, cyanocobalamin has applications beyond nutrition. It acts as a robust electrocatalyst for water oxidation under neutral conditions. This property is attributed to its macrocyclic structure, which includes a cobalt center. The electrocatalytic activity of cyanocobalamin demonstrates a faradaic efficiency of 97.50% and remains stable even after prolonged use, making it a promising candidate for sustainable energy applications 1.
Therapeutic Efficacy in Seasonal Affective Disorder
Despite its essential role in human health, cyanocobalamin's efficacy in treating certain conditions remains under investigation. A controlled trial aimed at evaluating its effectiveness in treating winter seasonal affective disorder (SAD) found no significant difference between cyanocobalamin and placebo groups. This suggests that while vitamin B12 is crucial for overall health, it may not be effective as a short-term treatment for SAD 2.
Nutritional Supplementation in Vegans and Vegetarians
Vegans and vegetarians are particularly susceptible to vitamin B12 deficiency due to the absence of animal products in their diet. A study comparing two sublingual dosages of cyanocobalamin (350 µg/week vs. 2000 µg/week) found that both dosages effectively improved serum B12 levels and related metabolic markers. This indicates that even lower, more frequent doses can be sufficient to maintain adequate B12 levels in individuals with marginal deficiencies 3.
Safety and Efficacy in Animal Nutrition
Cyanocobalamin is also used as a feed additive for animals. Studies have shown that cyanocobalamin produced by fermentation with Ensifer adhaerens is safe for all animal species and effective in meeting their nutritional requirements. This form of vitamin B12 does not pose any safety concerns for consumers or the environment, making it a reliable additive in animal nutrition 46.
Pharmacokinetics and Bioavailability
The bioavailability of oral cyanocobalamin can be enhanced using absorption enhancers. A study comparing a standard cyanocobalamin tablet with one formulated with sodium N-[8-(2-hydroxybenzoyl)amino]caprylate (SNAC) found that the latter significantly improved B12 absorption. This formulation showed greater bioavailability and a faster absorption rate, suggesting that such enhancements could make oral B12 supplementation more effective 5.
Stability and Microencapsulation
Vitamin B12 is sensitive to various environmental factors, which can degrade its efficacy. Microencapsulation using the spray chilling technique has been shown to improve the stability of cyanocobalamin. This method protects the vitamin from degradation and ensures a controlled release, making it a promising approach for enhancing the shelf-life and effectiveness of B12 supplements 7.
Hematological Benefits in Poultry
In poultry, specifically male Pekin ducks, supplemental cyanocobalamin has been shown to improve hematological parameters such as white and red blood cell counts, although it does not significantly affect growth performance. This suggests that while B12 is crucial for blood health, its impact on growth may be limited 8.
Cytotoxicity and Protective Effects
Cyanocobalamin derivatives, such as cyanocobalamin [c-lactam], can antagonize vitamin B12 and cause cytotoxicity in cell cultures. However, the addition of methionine can completely protect cells from this cytotoxic effect. This finding is significant for understanding the biochemical pathways involved in B12 deficiency and developing protective strategies 9.
Enhanced Solubility for Drug Delivery
Cyanocobalamin conjugates have been developed to enhance its solubility and stability, making it a useful carrier in drug delivery systems. These conjugates can significantly increase the solubility of vitamin B12, facilitating its use in various therapeutic applications 10.
Conclusion
Cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) is a versatile compound with applications ranging from nutritional supplementation to electrocatalysis. While it is essential for human and animal health, its therapeutic efficacy in certain conditions like SAD remains inconclusive. Advances in formulation and encapsulation techniques continue to enhance its stability and bioavailability, broadening its potential uses in both medical and industrial fields.
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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%.
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.
RCTEffect 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 JournalPharmacokinetics 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.
Improving 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 Supplemental Cyanocobalamin on the Growth Performance and Hematological Indicators of the White Pekin Ducks from Hatch to Day 21
Supplemental cyanocobalamin has no significant effect on growth performance but improves hematological indicators in male Pekin ducks from hatch to day 21.
RCT
Animal Study
Rigorous JournalCyanocobalamin [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