[julleri]

Originally Posted by mrsD

Here is a study comparing oral with injectable.



Because in the past it was believed that oral was not an effect route, injectable was the only treatment given for B12 deficiency. Now there are studies showing oral works as well.
Studies cost money to produce, and B12 is not a drug where lots of money or patents are at stake. So finding reliable data on sublingual is not common.
The size of the drug molecule and its lipid solubility, determine success with sublingual administration. Both of these traits are missing for B12, which is very water soluble, and a huge molecule.
Because of the lack of data that is reliable on sublingual forms, most comments on scientific sites are like this one:

from http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vit...hProfessional/

Certainly you can do whatever you like. I just suggest if you choose sublingual, keep it there for a LONG TIME and don't swallow. Most people find this difficult. Some complain of mucus membrane irritations, as well. To get the most potential from a sublingual given its lack of data ...do this on an empty stomach.

This brand that I'm using dissolves really fast - under a minute. I don't swallow and don't have a hard time holding it and letting it dissolve under my tongue. I think it dissolves so fast because it is only three ingredients - the B12 (methylcobalamin), lactose (milk) and acacia gum. It isn't like Jarrows and takes 45 minutes or whatever to dissolve, with all those extra ingredients.

I'm so confused. I read you say to always just swallow and get the couple micrograms from diffusion, but I read the complete opposite (never swallow and always use sublinguals) from others, like that Freddd person (whose protocol appears way too intense for me).

I just want to know that I'm getting B12 so that I can get better, and not have to keep doing shots.

[mrsD]

I just want you to get the B12 into your blood stream as much as possible.

I used to chew up the Jarrow and swallow. I switched to Puritan's, which is very soft and soluble, and I swallow them too.
I even ground up Puritan's and gave to my cat who was very ill last fall (finally diagnosed with mast cell carcinoma). She really showed positive response, when the vet thought she had inflamed intestines. I put it in a little whipped cream.. 3 times a week!
She no longer seems to need it, she went into a remission with steroids and is still with us, months past her estimated life span!

It is not a big deal to take on an empty stomach. It is certainly easy, and not uncomfortable like trying to hold in the mouth for long long minutes! Rapid dissolving does not imply rapid or complete ABSORPTION. Lipophilic molecules, meaning FAT SOLUBLE are the best candidates for sublingual absorption. B12 needs intrinsic factor to get thru the membranes of the GI tract because it is present in food in 2-5mcg amounts. Not because it is quickly dissolved.

Do what you want, however. In this case it will show over time if it is working for you, when you get retested. Just keep in mind you are swallowing most of it anyway, therefore empty stomach at the time is best.

[julleri]

Originally Posted by mrsD

I just want you to get the B12 into your blood stream as much as possible.

I used to chew up the Jarrow and swallow. I switched to Puritan's, which is very soft and soluble, and I swallow them too.
I even ground up Puritan's and gave to my cat who was very ill last fall (finally diagnosed with mast cell carcinoma). She really showed positive response, when the vet thought she had inflamed intestines. I put it in a little whipped cream.. 3 times a week!
She no longer seems to need it, she went into a remission with steroids and is still with us, months past her estimated life span!

It is not a big deal to take on an empty stomach. It is certainly easy, and not uncomfortable like trying to hold in the mouth for long long minutes! Rapid dissolving does not imply rapid or complete ABSORPTION. Lipophilic molecules, meaning FAT SOLUBLE are the best candidates for sublingual absorption. B12 needs intrinsic factor to get thru the membranes of the GI tract because it is present in food in 2-5mcg amounts. Not because it is quickly dissolved.

Do what you want, however. In this case it will show over time if it is working for you, when you get retested. Just keep in mind you are swallowing most of it anyway, therefore empty stomach at the time is best.

Thank you,

I think I am going to try my idea, then, of taking two - one by just swallowing and one by dissolving. That way I will be getting it in me no matter what (and help to stop my worries). I also may take IM injections once a week till I'm out of injections and keep using the oral on the days I don't take the injections.

I just hope this brand is good. I've read that some brands can be totally ineffective. I'm not sure how true that is. B12 is B12 is B12, right? How can the brand make that much of a difference?

Oh, and yes, of course, empty stomach at all times for this. How long do you wait till you eat after taking them?

[mrsD]

I wait 1/2 hr to 1 hr depending on how hungry I am.

The only downside to a poor brand would be mislabeling. That is a company not putting it in the pill to begin with. One never knows what some of those companies are doing. Not putting it in there or less than the stated amount. I would also suspect poor absorption from TIMED RELEASE products.

That is why I tested out the new Puritan's one... and had testing 3 months later. I went from 800 to 1999 on 5mg daily orally.

[julleri]

Originally Posted by mrsD

I wait 1/2 hr to 1 hr depending on how hungry I am.

The only downside to a poor brand would be mislabeling. That is a company not putting it in the pill to begin with. One never knows what some of those companies are doing. Not putting it in there or less than the stated amount. I would also suspect poor absorption from TIMED RELEASE products.

That is why I tested out the new Puritan's one... and had testing 3 months later. I went from 800 to 1999 on 5mg daily orally.

This is true. I think this is a reputable brand, as there were good reviews people saying they could tell it works. that's what scares me - I don't want to be spending money on something and then let my body get sicker and sicker by not having a good product.

[Robibbie1]

Originally Posted by julleri

This is true. I think this is a reputable brand, as there were good reviews people saying they could tell it works. that's what scares me - I don't want to be spending money on something and then let my body get sicker and sicker by not having a good product.

Which brings us all to the ? of How do you know if your brand is a good brand?; OR is there a web site or a Consumer Report (reliable,and reputable, of course,) where we can go that evaluates and rates the reliabilty and quality of vitamins and supplements?
Robin

[mrsD]

There is a site called ConsumerLab... I used to belong. But I didn't like it that they automatically renewed me and charged my credit card without my permission.

It has also been charged that they favor "certain" manufacturers.

Some of their site is free however, so you can look there.
http://www.consumerlab.com/

Some companies have GMP membership (good manufacturers policy)... and others give USP on their labels.

But over time posters here have shared experiences.
Jarrow's, was always a favorite. NOW brand, LEF, NatureMade, CountryLife, Source Naturals, Doctor's Best. But not every one is best on every thing, I've found. For example I started with Doctor's Best Theanine, then tried Swanson's Ultra, and was very disappointed, and went back to Doctor's Best.
I use Doctor's Best for all my specific nutrients now because I think they are labeling nicely, affordable etc. (theanine, R-lipoic stablized, and Benfotiamine).

I use Puritan's for my methyl B12 now, since I tested it out and it worked so well. It is really inexpensive there, esp when the buy 1 get 2 free sale is on.
I use NatureMade for my SAMe, and Flaxseed oil.
I use some brand names, like EsterC with bioflavinoids, and Mega Red Krill oil.

I don't think there is any one company that can provide everything I need. So I shop around for quality and price.