Description
One of the two metabolically active coenzyme forms of Vitamin B12, used directly by human cells without the conversion step that cyanocobalamin requires. The premium form for neurological and methylation-support supplement positioning.
Dark red crystalline powder. Highly light-sensitive and moisture-sensitive; requires sealed, light-protective packaging and protected storage. Pharmaceutical and supplement applications dose at 500 micrograms to 5 milligrams.
We supply food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade Methylcobalamin from manufacturers in China holding ISO, Halal, Kosher and other certifications relevant to the product and production.
Common market grades include USP/EP Pharmaceutical Grade (≥ 98 percent), Food Grade (FCC compliant), 1 percent triturated with mannitol or microcrystalline cellulose for direct dosing convenience, and 0.1 percent diluted grade for premix manufacturing.
Bulk and reduced-MOQ shipments. Batch-level COA covering assay, related cobalamins, water content, heavy metals, and microbiology.
Introduction
Methylcobalamin is one of the two naturally occurring metabolically active coenzyme forms of Vitamin B12 (the other being adenosylcobalamin). The methyl form serves as the cofactor for methionine synthase, the enzyme responsible for methylation of homocysteine to methionine and central to one-carbon metabolism.
Industrial production proceeds by fermentation of Propionibacterium or Pseudomonas species to yield cyanocobalamin, followed by photochemical conversion to methylcobalamin via methyl iodide under controlled illumination. The final product is purified by crystallization to pharmaceutical specifications.
Recognized as a permitted dietary supplement ingredient by the U.S. FDA and most regulators worldwide. Listed in USP, EP, and JP pharmacopoeias as a B12 reference standard. Used in Japan as a prescription pharmaceutical for diabetic peripheral neuropathy since the 1970s.
Strategic positioning is premium supplement and pharmaceutical applications, where the 'active' or 'methylated' B12 claim commands a substantial price premium over cyanocobalamin (catalog id 7916). Consumer demand for methylated B-vitamin forms has grown rapidly since 2015 driven by MTHFR-genotype awareness and functional-medicine positioning.
The clinical literature supports preferential use of methylcobalamin for neuropathy applications and for individuals with limited capacity to convert cyanocobalamin. For general B12 repletion in healthy individuals, cyanocobalamin and methylcobalamin are biologically equivalent.
Where it is used
- Premium dietary supplements: methylation-support, neuropathy, and active-B12 formulations
- Pharmaceutical applications: oral tablets, sublingual lozenges, and injectable preparations for diabetic and peripheral neuropathy
- Methylation-support multivitamin blends with methylfolate
- Sports nutrition and energy formulations
- Vegan and plant-based supplement formulations
- Clinical nutrition for malabsorption and pernicious anemia management
- Functional medicine and integrative health formulations
- Geriatric nutrition supplements
Technical data
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Dark red crystalline powder |
| Assay (dry basis) | 98.0% to 102.0% |
| Related cobalamins | ≤ 2.0% |
| Water content | ≤ 12.0% |
| Residue on ignition | ≤ 0.5% |
| Heavy metals (as Pb) | ≤ 10 mg/kg |
| Arsenic | ≤ 3 mg/kg |
| Specific absorbance (266 nm) | 187 to 197 |
| Particle size | Per customer specification |
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