B-12 METHYLCOBALAMIN LOZENGES

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Dr. Freire's B-12 supplies 2000 mcg of B-12 in the metabolically active methylcobalamin form to ensure optimal bioavailability and retention. Common B-12 supplements that use cyanocobalamin require the body to take extra steps to transform it into a usable compound. Our lozenges dissolve under the tongue for accelerated absorption and complete B-12 delivery. This is important because B-12 absorption from food or supplements declines with age. In fact, 15% of people aged 60+ are deficient in vitamin B-12. Vegetarians and vegans also face higher risk of B-12 deficiency. Each tablet of Dr. Freire's B-12 features a pleasing cherry flavor to promote patient compliance.

B-12 as Methylcobalamin:

Methylcobalamin is a highly bioactive and bioavailable form of vitamin B-12, shown to be easier to absorb and utilize than the commonly used synthetic cyanocobalamin form. Methylcobalamin accounts for most B-12 circulating in plasma. The synthetic cyanocobalamin B-12 form commonly used in supplements must be converted into the active methylcobalamin form to deliver wellness benefits. Methylcobalamin B-12 supplies methyl groups for protein and DNA synthesis while supporting circulation, neurotransmitter production, and cellular energy production. B-12 also optimizes healthy homocysteine levels, promoting overall cardiovascular wellness.

• A cohort study investigated the association between cognitive decline and B-12 and folate nutritional status. In the 1648 participants in the study, researchers found that low vitamin B-12 status was associated with more rapid cognitive decline.
• In a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized crossover study of 50 vegetarians with vitamin B-12 deficiency, researchers found that those taking 500 micrograms of supplemental vitamin B-12 appeared to experience improved arterial function when compared with the placebo group. Researchers concluded that B-12 supplementation is a novel strategy for promoting healthy arteries in vegetarians with low B-12 levels.

1. Clarke, R. and Armitage, J. Vitamin supplements and cardiovascular risk: review of the randomized trials of homocysteine-lowering vitamin supplements. Semin.Thromb.Hemost. 2000;26(3):341-348.
2. Clarke R, Birks J, Nexo E, Ueland PM, Schneede J, Scott J, et al. Low vitamin B-12 status and risk of cognitive decline in older adults. Am J Clin Nutr 2007;86:1384-91.
3. Lee BJ, Huang MC, Chung LJ, Cheng CH, Lin KL, Su KH, et al. Folic acid and vitamin B12 are more effective than vitamin B6 in lowering fasting plasma homocysteine concentration in patients with coronary artery disease. Eur J Clin Nutr 2004;58:481-7.
4. Kwok T, et al. Vitamin B-12 supplementation improves arterial function in vegetarians with subnormal vitamin B-12 status. J Nutr Health Aging. 2012;16(6):569-73.