The main difference between methylcobalamin and cyanocobalamin is that methylcobalamin is the naturally-occurring form of vitamin B12 that comes through either food sources or supplements, whereas cyanocobalamin is the synthetic form of vitamin B12 that occur only in supplements.
Methylcobalamin and cyanocobalamin are two forms of vitamin B12. Generally, methylcobalamin naturally occurs in animal-based food and cyanocobalamin is the most common form of vitamin B12 supplements that are in the chemically synthesized form.
Cyanocobalamin, Methylcobalamin, Vitamin B12
Methylcobalamin is the naturally-occurring form of vitamin B12, mainly found in animal-based foods. The main characteristic feature of methylcobalamin is the presence of octahedral cobalt (III) center. It naturally occurs as bright red crystals. Methylcobalamin also contains a metal-alkyl bond. Physiologically, it is equivalent to vitamin B12. Therefore, methylcobalamin is important in preventing and treating vitamin B12 deficiency.
Furthermore, methylcobalamin is important in treating peripheral neuropathy, and diabetic neuropathy, and as a preliminary treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In addition, it is one of the most active coenzymes in vitamin B12-dependent enzymes. Some bacteria also produce methylcobalamin and in the environment, methylcobalamin serves as a biomethylation compound of certain heavy metals.
Cyanocobalamin is the synthetic form of cobalamin or vitamin B12. It is manufactured to treat vitamin B12 deficiency. In general, vitamin B12 deficiency occurs in pernicious anemia, following surgical removal of the stomach, with fish tapeworm, or due to bowel cancer. Moreover, the administration methods of cyanocobalamin include oral administration, injection into a muscle, or a nasal spray. In addition, the side effects of cyanocobalamin include diarrhea and itchiness.
Moreover, in cyanocobalamin, the cobalt-cyano group replaces the cobalt-alkyl group of methylcobalamin.
Methylcobalamin refers to the naturally-occurring form of vitamin B12, mainly found in animal-based foods while cyanocobalamin refers to the synthetic form of cobalamin or vitamin B12.
Usually, methylcobalamin is naturally-occurring while cyanocobalamin is synthetic.
Bacteria synthesize methylcobalamin and methylcobalamin occurs in animal-based foods while cyanocobalamin is synthetic.
Generally, bacteria synthesize methylcobalamin while cyanocobalamin is important in treating vitamin B12 deficiency.
In brief, methylcobalamin is a naturally-occurring form of cobalamin or vitamin B12. It is synthesized by bacteria and serves as a biomethylation compound of certain heavy metals. Other than that, methylcobalamin occurs in animal-based foods. Moreover, it is important in treating peripheral neuropathy, and diabetic neuropathy, and as a preliminary treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Cyanocobalamin, on the other hand, contains a cyano group by replacing the methyl group of methylcobalamin. Furthermore, cyanocobalamin is a synthetic form of cobalamin used in treating vitamin B 12 deficiency. Therefore, the main difference between methylcobalamin and cyanocobalamin is their occurrence.