Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) Research Guide
Methylcobalamin is the bioactive coenzyme form of Vitamin B12 — essential for methionine synthase and cellular methylation pathways.
What is Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is a family of corrinoid compounds featuring a central cobalt atom. Methylcobalamin (the form supplied here) and adenosylcobalamin are the two coenzyme forms active in mammalian metabolism.
Mechanism of action
Methylcobalamin donates a methyl group to homocysteine via methionine synthase, regenerating methionine and enabling SAM-dependent methylation reactions throughout the cell.
Adenosylcobalamin acts separately as the cofactor for methylmalonyl-CoA mutase in the propionate metabolism pathway.
Sourcing & purity
Research-grade material should be ≥99% pure by HPLC with peptide content confirmed via mass spectrometry. Redline Bio material ships with batch documentation; independent third-party COAs are published on the lab reports page as testing returns.
Compliance reminder
Sold and distributed for laboratory research use only. Not approved by the FDA for human consumption, diagnosis, treatment, or cure of any disease. Researchers are responsible for compliance with all applicable institutional, state, and federal regulations.
Frequently asked questions
What is Methylcobalamin?
Methylcobalamin is one of two bioactive coenzyme forms of Vitamin B12 (the other is adenosylcobalamin). It contains a methyl group bound to the central cobalt atom of the corrin ring.
Mechanism?
Methylcobalamin serves as the cofactor for methionine synthase, which converts homocysteine to methionine and generates S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM) — the universal methyl donor for DNA, protein, and neurotransmitter methylation.
Why injectable?
Oral B12 requires intrinsic factor for absorption in the terminal ileum. Injectable methylcobalamin bypasses this pathway and produces higher peak plasma concentrations in research protocols.