Recommended type of B12 supplement

[flroots]

We've been taking 100 mcg daily of Cyanocobalamin B12 while on the McDougall diet. We have tested on the low side, but within the normal range over the same period. Now we're wondering if we should switch to the Methylcobalamin version of B12. JeffN has previously referenced this report:
http://www.veganhealth.org/b12/rec

which in turn references this report:
http://veganhealth.org/b12/noncyanob12

It states that in one study there is no evidence that the Methylcobalamin version is more effective than the Cyanocobalamin version. Is this a consensus view? I'd be interested in knowing which version Dr McDougall or Jeff recommends. Thanks.

[colonyofcells]

Can take any b12 supplement weekly. Since b12 is harmless, I take it daily.

[flroots]

Can take any b12 supplement weekly. Since b12 is harmless, I take it daily.

Thanks. My question related to the relative effectiveness of the two types mentioned. There is a lot of marketing which suggest the Methylcobalamin version is more effective, but I haven't come across any scientific reports that confirm it.

[Dougalling]

Hi

I have a bottle of each and I alternate. I get the best of both worlds.

[colonyofcells]

Cyanocobalamin has more studies and is known to work just fine.

[f1jim]

Dr. McDougall recommends the Methyl B12.
f1jim

[Eater]

Yeah i remember reading Dr M. recommended the methyl. I take one 2500 mg methyl 1/week. The bottle cost me 14$ for 60 pills - cheap considering it'll last a year.

[colonyofcells]

The recent webinars sometimes mentions b12 but Dr Mcdougall has not bothered to talk about the differences among the many types of b12 supplements. The recent webinar was about the 2015 diet guide and the 2015 diet guide also has not bothered to talk about differences among the many types of b12 supplements.

[f1jim]

Many times Dr. McDougall doesn't mention small details unless there is new information. It's safe to assume his prior recommendations are good unless replaced by newer data.
f1jim

[C.R.MacDonald]

I buy Costco/ Kirkland brand B12... it tastes great, it's Vegan, it's the methylcobalamin type, and it contains 360 tablets. I take it once a week, which means that a bottle of these lasts 6-7 years. And they taste good, which is an added benefit.

http://www.costco.ca/Kirkland-Signature ... 97113.html

[f1jim]

I can't get the link to work. Is it just me or is everyone able to use the link?

Glad to hear Costco sells a Methyl version of B12. I'll look for it.
f1jim

[flroots]

Dr. McDougall recommends the Methyl B12.
f1jim

Thanks. Yes, on page 169 of The Starch Solution he recommends the Methylcobalamin version. Guess I was looking for any more recent scientific data since based on what I've read the jury is still out. In fact, based on the reports that JeffN has referenced there is no evidence to support the effectiveness of one version over another.

[C.R.MacDonald]

Fixed the link... here it is again:

http://www.costco.ca/Kirkland-Signature ... 97113.html

[f1jim]

Hmm.. That's a Canadian Costco site. I don't see the same product on the U.S. side.
f1jim

[C.R.MacDonald]

Oh shoot I thought the U.S. would have the same availability as here in Canada...