Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) Injectable
Injectable B12 (cyanocobalamin) delivers cobalamin directly into circulation, bypassing GI absorption barriers that limit oral supplementation. Essential for neurological function, red blood cell synthesis, and methylation reactions. Commonly included in lipotropic injection programs.
⚡ QUICKSTART HIGHLIGHTS
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
| Vial Size | BAC Water | Concentration | mcg per Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mg (1,000 mcg) | 1.0 mL | 1,000 mcg/mL | 10 mcg |
| 5 mg (5,000 mcg) | 5.0 mL | 1,000 mcg/mL | 10 mcg |
Dosing Protocols
| Protocol | Dose | U-100 Units | Volume | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maintenance | 1,000 mcg | 100 units | 1.0 mL | Once weekly or monthly |
| Loading (deficiency) | 1,000 mcg | 100 units | 1.0 mL | Daily × 7 days, then monthly |
| With MIC/Lipo injection | 1,000 mcg (included in blend) | — | — | Weekly or 2× weekly |
Reconstitution Steps
- Wipe the vial stopper and BAC water vial with alcohol; let dry.
- Draw 1.0 (or 5.0 for 5mg vial) mL of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the inside glass wall of the B12 vial. Do not aim at the powder.
- Gently swirl until fully dissolved. Do not shake.
- Label with reconstitution date. Refrigerate at 2–8°C; use within the window specified above.
How This Works
Cyanocobalamin is the most stable and widely used synthetic form of vitamin B12. After injection it is converted in the liver to methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin — the two biologically active coenzyme forms. Methylcobalamin is essential for methionine synthase (converting homocysteine to methionine, critical for DNA methylation) and adenosylcobalamin is required for methylmalonyl-CoA mutase (fatty acid and amino acid catabolism).
B12 deficiency is common in vegans/vegetarians, elderly individuals (reduced intrinsic factor), patients taking metformin (which blocks B12 absorption), and those with GI disorders. Deficiency causes macrocytic anemia, subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord, and cognitive impairment. Injectable B12 achieves near-100% bioavailability regardless of intrinsic factor status.
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Potential Benefits
- Corrects B12 deficiency with near-100% bioavailability (vs 1-2% for high-dose oral in pernicious anemia).
- Supports neurological function — myelin synthesis and nerve conduction.
- Required for red blood cell maturation — prevents megaloblastic anemia.
- Lowers homocysteine via methionine cycle support.
- Energy metabolism: cofactor in mitochondrial reactions.
- Frequently combined with lipotropic injections (MIC, Lipo-B, Lipo-C).
Side Effect Profile
- Extremely well-tolerated; adverse events rare.
- Mild injection-site stinging possible (cyanocobalamin is slightly acidic).
- Rare: acneiform skin eruption with high-dose ongoing therapy.
- Very rare hypersensitivity to cobalt component.
- Cyanocobalamin releases small amount of cyanide — not clinically significant at therapeutic doses.
Storage Instructions
| State | Temperature | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Lyophilized | −20°C (−4°F) | Up to 24 months |
| Reconstituted | 2–8°C | Up to 30 days — protect from light |