Vitamin B-12 is an essential vitamin that many people are deficient in. Here at Glimja, we have selected natural, high-quality B-12 supplements for different needs. B-12 comes in four different forms; Cyanocobalamin is common in supplements, but must be converted by the liver to one of the active forms methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin. If you need help finding a form that suits you, don't hesitate to get in touch!

**Common questions about vitamin B-12**
What is vitamin B12?
Vitamin B-12 is an essential vitamin and exists in several forms and contains the mineral cobalt, which is why vitamin B12 compounds are collectively called cobalamins. Two forms of B12 that are active in human metabolism are methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin. The four forms of vitamin B-12 1. Hydroxycobalamin Hydroxycobalamin (hydroxocobalamin), also called vitamin B-12a, is produced naturally by bacteria. Hydroxycobalamin is converted to methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin in the body. This type of B-12 is found in Global Healing's Triblend product, which is unusual. 2. Methylcobalamin Methylcobalamin is an active form of B-12 and the most bioavailable form in the human body. Being the most bioavailable means, in other words, that it is easiest for your body to absorb and use. Methylcobalamin easily crosses the blood-brain barrier to protect the brain and nerve cells. It also helps convert homocysteine to methionine, which is important because high homocysteine levels are linked to various negative health conditions. This type of B-12 is found in all B-12 products we sell. 3. Adenosylcobalamin Adenosylcobalamin (5-deoxyadenosylcobalamin) is an active form of B-12. Some brands have managed to produce adenosylcobalamin in a stable, liquid form, as in this liquid B-12 from Global Healing and in this liquid B-12 from Nature Provides. Pureness also has this type in a lozenge form. 4. Cyanocobalamin Cyanocobalamin is a form of B-12 that is lab-synthesized, making it the cheapest option to use in dietary supplements. It is not the best option and a good reason to spend a little more money on your B-12 supplement. Cyanocobalamin also needs to be converted in the liver to active forms of vitamin B12. Cyanocobalamin does not occur naturally in food, which the other three vitamin B12 forms do. Methylcobalamin is found primarily in meat, while hydroxycobalamin and adenosylcobalamin are primarily found in dairy products and eggs. What does B-12 do? B-12 is important for blood formation and cell division to function optimally. B12 also contributes to the normal function of the nervous system and brain. It helps maintain the health of nerve cells - including those needed for neurotransmitter signaling - and helps form the protective sheath of nerves, called the cell's myelin sheath. B-12 also helps with digestion and heart health as well as a normally functioning immune system. Vitamin B12 also contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism together with folic acid and B6. This can also be affected by the MTHFR gene, called C677T and A1298C. However, very high levels of homocysteine are almost never due only to the MTHFR gene but also to things like poor diet, smoking, obesity, problems regulating blood sugar, and thyroid issues. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to a number of health problems, including fatigue, nerve damage, neurodegenerative diseases, heart problems, anemia, decreased appetite, cessation of menstruation, tingling or prickling sensation in hands and feet, mild depression, fever. Do I need B-12 supplements? The answer for most people is yes, during certain periods in life to fill up the stores. Vegetarians & vegans are at a slightly higher risk of B-12 deficiency, as the vitamin is almost exclusively found in animal foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products, but deficiency is more common than you might think even for those who eat food from the animal kingdom. After the age of 60, it is very common to take B-12 supplements daily for the rest of your life. Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that can only be stored to some extent in the body, making it difficult to overconsume the vitamin as you urinate it out. Here you can read more about how deficiency can occur Why methylated B12? Methylcobalamin is a methylated form of B12. This means it is in active form and easier for the body to absorb and utilize. The body's methylation process is the process where the vitamin goes from being inactive to active. Many of us have a less well-functioning such process, which can make it difficult to absorb B12 from the diet. We sell methylated, active B12.