Synthetic vs. Natural Vitamin B12

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This video is in response to a question relating to the difference between synthetic and natural vitamin B12. 

The synthetic version of vitamin B12 is called cyanocobalamin. The natural version of vitamin B12 is called methylcobalamin. 

The main reason why people get synthetic vitamin B12 is that it’s cheaper. In many cases, on the label of synthetic vitamin B12, it will say something like 5000%. But more is not always better. The reason why it’s 5000% is that it takes so much of it to be absorbed. 

Cyanocobalamin (synthetic vitamin B12):
• Is not easily absorbed 
• Splits off into cyanide 

Methylcobalamin (natural vitamin B12):
• Bonds to protein (needs stomach acid to break it down)
• You also need the intrinsic factor

* I recommend methylcobalamin (natural vitamin B12). Most animal products are also filled with vitamin B12.

You might have a problem absorbing vitamin B12 if you:
• Have low stomach acid
• Have atrophic gastritis (take Zypan)
• Had stomach surgery
• Take metformin 
• Are a vegan (you can get B12 from wheatgrass juice powder)

Side effects of a vitamin B12 deficiency:
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Upset stomach
• Rash
• Headaches
• Dizziness 
• Joint pain
• Fatigue

B12 is involved in the following:
1. The production of red blood cells
2. Brain function/nerve function
3. The creation of DNA

Dr. Eric Berg DC Bio:
Dr. Berg, 58 years of age is a chiropractor who specializes in Healthy Ketosis & Intermittent Fasting. He is the author of The New Body Type Guide and other books published by KB Publishing. He has taught students nutrition as an adjunct professor at Howard University. He no longer practices, but focuses on health education through social media.

Disclaimer:
Dr. Eric Berg received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1988. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Berg is a licensed chiropractor in Virginia, California, and Louisiana, but he no longer practices chiropractic in any state and does not see patients so he can focus on educating people as a full time activity, yet he maintains an active license. This video is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, and prescription or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Berg and you. You should not make any change in your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

[claudine]

I sent an email to the Marmite manufacturer, Unilever, asking them whether the B12 they use in Marmite is methyl- or cyanocobalmin. They refused to answer, saying that it's "commercially sensitive". Now I'm just a regular person, and yet it seems they were afraid to give more information or be open about what they put in their product, which suggests that I should accept the product/limited labelling as is or disappear. If they had any pride in the goodness of their product, I would think they'd have been happy to talk more about it. These huge corporations need to respect the consumer.

[mlcamc]

Dr. Berg, you should open your clinic. You could help a lot of people with your honesty & correct diagnosis.

[dyahviona]

The thing is, how many people in this modern day can considered as "normal healthy person"? Not so many I guess

[humingbird]

OMG, I don't have words to appreciate this video! I have Gastritis and diverticulosis and now I am deficient in Vitamin B12. Even though I have been taking enzymes and Vitamin B12, The problem continues and probably is getting worse! and I am losing so much hair. This is hope for me and I already ordered Zipan. Thank you very much nobody has advised me better. THANK YOU!!!!

[francesca]

I'm so thankful to God. I found you to be a blessing. I appreciate everyone of your videos I have watched. You are EXCEPTIONAL. I didn't Know there were these differences.

[dansivad]

I just discovered my kids b complex - advertised and marketed as organic and natural - has cyanocobalamin. How is this even allowed??? Dr. Berg, once again - thank you! You are really and truly doing something about this nightmare of health information. I’m indebted to you.

[ritagamez]

Dr. Berg, thank you. I can always turn to you when I need answers. My 99 y.o. mother has been looking like daeath warmed over. In the last year+, I’ve had to d/c all her meds., Rx., and prn. The last 2 she was still on, we’re D3, and B12(w/cyanicobalamine). I stopped this 2 meds. too. For some reason, my mom is doing wonderful again. She was sleeping so many hours, it just wasn’t normal. I have been taking the same vitamins. I will discard them all today. Lots of money wasted. God bless you Dr. Berg, for all you are doing for the public. 🙏🏻

[FollowYah-az]

Uh oh ... just bought the wrong kind of B12.
Back to the store - lesson learned!
*Thank you*

[daijanestokazem]

I would like to hear why someone gives a thumb down for this information.🤷

[Rando_Commando]

You’re the best Dr. Berg, please do a video on how to help chronic sinus issues. Much love from Miami, FL

[marceldeac]

OMG!! currently pregnant and just found out about this car ingredient. im so scared now!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO! God bless!!

[DanielCastillo-ocdd]

Dr. Berg, my wife and I appreciate your skill with how you employ diagram definition and explanation you help contribute and increase to our knowledge bank for strengthened health and wellness. Over time we have discovered that our sewage systems here in the U. S. are the most healthiest the world over because of the failed "delivery system" of minerals never reaching the cells only because the vitamin and mineral intake on a nano melecular level are "too large" for the cell and body to benefit most. We have also learned that "fresh natural fruit" fructose attached to mineral consumption are welcomed by the cells due to cell reaction opening
W I D E for delivery as a benefit for the whole body's longevity. Will you be able to someday speak on mineral vitamin delivery yes.

[heleneserv]

Answer to Jackie Kay who said “Hi, dairy is indicated, it’s highly mucous forming.” I suppose you meant counter indicated. Well I get my dairy as raw milk and I ferment it for a few days which removes most toxins. But it’s also not pasteurized so it’s much more healthy, still super rich in omega 3 compared to 6. Super rich in potassium, like 1 litter is over 900mg of K...etc. No mucous for me 😅

[johnronan]

What can I say? I admire your passion!! Thanks for doing what you do

[ElijahPerrin]

I use to take a B vitamin complex of synthetic vitamins, I still trust this company that I got them from and I did try other brands as I narrowed down the issue to eliminate the issue being the vitamins over filler or something. I found if I took off the shelf B vitamins I got tired, sore and lethargic, lacked energy in general and was rarely hungry or thirsty. I removed the B vitamins and the symptoms ended, I started eating nutritional yeast often along with my old routine of D3, K2, Magnesium, Kelp and keto diet rich in home made bone broths and soups. If anyone asks I am a vegetarian who eats some meat

[posumagic]

I think those that take nexium and maybe other stomach acid neutralising prescription drugs may also be susceptible to b12 deficiency because the drug prevents you from absorbing it from your food /stomach.

[rachkate]

Co-methylcobalamin is already converted B12... if you can find a sublingual one even better.

[thuywu]

Thankful dr Berg for your excellent explanation and really informative topic.❤

[ritagamez]

Dr. Berg, I first heard about this cyanide from Dr. Janine Bowring. She only mentioned it, but didn’t give any details, so I continued taking it till now. Thank you again. 🙏🏻

[asaduzzamanbiplob]

Excellent Dr. Berg. Appreciate all of your outstanding efforts. Thanks a lot.