Most of the literature refer to "cobalamin" or "cyanocobalamin." Other forms of "cobalamin" (B12) have been developed since cyanocobalamin, but unfortunately most literature is written as if cyanocobalamin exclusively defines B12. Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic version of the vitamin. It works for most people, but some people cannot convert it efficiently to a form that can be used, and unconverted it is useless.

Hydroxocobalamin is preferred over cyanocobalamin by those who are familiar with it. It is useful in many cases more than cyanocobalamin, and it has better lasting power.

Methylcobalamin has some advantages neither of the other types do. It is the natural form of B12, made by the bacteria that must form natural B12. It does not need to be converted, and it has been proven very helpful not only for those who can be shown deficient in B12 but in many who with correct testing cannot: including some ALS and MS cases.

Methylcobalmin is easier to find that years ago, but many health food stores and pharmacies still have no clue. Often it is easier and less expensive to choose an excellent brand name and purchase it online, in at least 1000 mcg (1 gm) doses. Do not fall for marketing that requires you to spend a lot of extra money on something of equal or lesser value. Avoid hype.

There are alternate spellings of "methylcobalamin" in countries other than the USA.

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When B12 deficiency is doing the damage, it can be a "cure all," because when treated in time damage can be repaired. But that doesn't mean B12 will benefit everyone who is having some or all of the same problems, and those who suggest that it will are promoting old mythology that helps prevent B12 from being taken seriously. B12 deficiency has been known to be debilitating and deadly for many decades, and the condition began appearing in medical textbooks more than 100 years ago, before researchers discovered what was lacking.

Many people who are deficient will never get a diagnosis, because most doctors don't know how to properly rule out deficiency; even a doctor who cares enough to check a medical reference is likely to find decades-old information that prevents proper diagnostic procedure.

Other patients are diagnosed too late to avoid severe and irreparable damage.

This is tragic, since B12 is safe and inexpensive in very large doses. Taking B12 is not the danger--having too little threatens lifestyle and life itself.

In addition, a percentage of those with neurological or neuromuscular conditions who cannot be shown (even with the best current testing) to be deficient have been shown to derive great benefit from B12, especially the methylcobalamin type. This is backed up by solid research. Thus some exceptionally well informed physicians recommend 1000 mcg oral B12 (preferabily methylcobalamin form) to all of their patients with neurological symptoms or signs.

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The presence or absence of any one symptom or collection of symptoms cannot rule out B12 deficiency.

Most striking perhaps, because of multiple factors, an undernourished person can even gain weight. Many think an undernourished person must be wasting away.


This is excerpted from a mainstream medical textbook, one of the few reliable sources of information. After a very long list of possible symptoms and signs:rose