Natural Health Blog | Holistic Health Blog
  • Home
  • About OHH & The Triad of Life™
    • Our Team
    • Disclaimer
  • About Dr. Michelle Kmiec
    • My Story of Healing
  • What is The Triad of Life™?
    • The Emotional Component of The Triad of Life™
    • Physical Component of The Triad of Life™
    • The Nutritional Component of The Triad of Life™
Can-Vitamin-B12-Be-TOXIC

All About Supplements

Can Vitamin B12 Be TOXIC?

Cyanocobalamin, Methylcobalamin, vitamin B12

43380Readers

Can Vitamin B12 Be TOXIC?

Typically, there are two major forms of Vitamin B12:

  1. Cyanocobalamin
  2. Methylcobalamin  

Cyanocobalamin is the most common form of Vitamin B12. This is the form that is usually in multivitamins and B-complexes and is thought to be nearly the best form of Vitamin B12.

However, cyanocobalamin is also thought to be the less-than-optimal form of Vitamin B12.

This is because cyanocobalamin is a synthetic form of Vitamin B12, which does not occur normally in nature, as it can’t be synthesized by humans or by other animals. It must first be converted to a usable form of Vitamin B12 which is methylcobalamin, and then into adenosylcobalamin.

It is these latter forms that the body can use.

Some B12 Vitamins contain Cyanide

So, since the body can break down cyanocobalamin, what’s the big deal?

The big deal is in order for the conversion to take place, the cyanide bond must be released.

Of course, cyanide is toxic.

Now if you read about Vitamin B17 (laetrile), you’ll find that cyanide is the basis of banning that particular “vitamin”, despite the fact that we eat cyanide-containing foods every day such as broccoli and cauliflower.

This synthetic form of Vitamin B12 has had the cyanide essentially added as a by-product of charcoal filtering. The FDA has deemed the cyanide by-product as “insignificant.”

So apparently, according to the FDA, some cyanide is fine for human ingestion. Well, many of you who know me,  know that I don’t buy into anything the FDA says; I did a bit of investigating of my own.

Let’s see: Cyanide in foods and in Vitamin B12 are okay, while cyanide in Vitamin B17 is not okay. Why this double standard and is there a difference?

There is a big difference! And it is all about the bonding.

It is well known that cobalamin has a high affinity to cyanide and bonds with it. In fact, a means of counteracting cyanide poisoning is with the use of hydroxocobalamin. However, cobalamin in the case of Vitamin B12, cannot bind to the cyanide molecule because it is already bound.

Though the amounts of cyanide are small and thought to be “harmless” when this is added to the already smalls amounts we are exposed to every day via road salt, automobile exhausts, and even in table salt (used as a stabilizer), adding more cyanide to already elevated levels can potentially be harmful. This is not the case regarding cyanide-containing foods.

Sadly the FDA is banning the wrong substance!

There is an option, to take Vitamin B12 in the form of methylcobalamin, the active form of Vitamin B12, instead. 

Methylcobalamin is an active form of cyanocobalamin. It is this form that is necessary for the synthesis of the amino acid, methionine; from homocysteine. Methionine is important for the DNA methylation; essential for normal human development as well as development or inhibition of carcinogenesis (prevention of cancer.)

Interestingly, Proper functioning DNA methylation is being linked with longevity.

Other Related Articles

  • The Truth about Sea Salt
  • Cyanocobalamin vs. Methylcobalamin: Which is Best?
  • Folic Acid & The Homocysteine Connection
  • NO to Dangerous Apricot Seeds: Yes to Safer Chemotherapy!
Dr. Michelle Kmiec

is a board-certified Chiropractic Physician and Life Coach who also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology, and a minor in Medical Research. She is a life-long athlete who after curing herself 100% naturally from MS and anxiety, became an avid nutrition health researcher/promoter.

She has been featured in many Health magazines and has been a guest on radio talk shows in the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia. She is the author of Health Freedom Revolution: Exposing the Lies, Deceit and Greed of the Medical Profession, Founder of Online Holistic Health, and a contributing writer for other popular informative health website/blogs.

She is the host of Holistic Health Radio – where she discusses how she recovered her health as well as other hot health topics, and she is also co-founder of Crazy Meets Common Sense! –  The Podcast that Makes Sense Out of the Crazy, to Help You Live a More Healthy, Fulfilling and Empowering Life!

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 

Related Posts

Myths-and-Misconceptions-Around-Supplements

All About Supplements /

Myths and Misconceptions Around Supplements

How Nutritious is our Food online holistic health

All About Supplements /

Does the Standard American Diet Supply Enough Nutrients?

Organic Food & Better Health online holistic health

All About Supplements /

A Case For Organic Food & Better Health

‹ The Truth about Sea Salt › Irony of Modern Medicine and Drugs

Relaxing Moments Series

Beautiful Water Carved Cliffs: Relaxing Moments Series

Rest, Nap & Reenergize in 30 mins: Relaxing Moments Series

Relax in 1 Hour: Relaxing Moments Series

Forest Mammels: Relaxing Moments Series

Hummingbirds: Relaxing Moments Series

Holistic Lifestyle Program

Crazy Meets Common Sense
Holistic Health Radio

Organic Skin Products

Listen to Podcasts

  • ►Crazy Meets Common Sense! (11)
  • ►Holistic Health Radio! (11)
  • ►OHH on the Go! (26)

Supplemental Nutrition

  • ►Amino Acids
    • Alanine
    • Arginine
    • Ornithine
  • ►Trace Minerals are Necessary for Optimal Health!
    • Boron
    • Chromium
    • Copper
    • Lithium
    • Zinc
  • ►Vitamins
    • Vitamin A
    • Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
    • Vitamin B10 (PABA)
    • Vitamin B11
    • Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
    • Vitamin B13 (Orotic Acid)
    • Vitamin B14
    • Vitamin B15 (Pangamic A)
    • Vitamin B17 (Laetrile)
    • Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
    • Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
    • Vitamin B4 (Choline)
    • Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic A)
    • Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
    • Vitamin B7 (Biotin)
    • Vitamin B8 (Inositol)
    • Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)
    • Vitamin C
    • Vitamin D
    • Vitamin E
    • Vitamin K

Food & Health

  • ▼All About Supplements (31)
    • A Case For Organic Food & Better Health
    • A, B, C's of Amino Acids
    • An Enzyme You Should Not Be Without!
    • Are You Getting Enough Vitamin A?
    • Are You Zinc Deficient?
    • B Vitamins Work Best Together
    • Be Afraid Of Calcium Supplements?
    • Can Vitamin B12 Be TOXIC?
    • Cod Liver Oil vs. Medical Science
    • Detoxing With Niacin
    • Does the Standard American Diet Supply Enough Nutrients?
    • Does Vitamin E Cause Strokes?
    • Does your supplement brand measure up to standards?
    • Don't be Afraid of the Niacin Flush
    • GMP Certified Supplement Companies
    • How Important is Vitamin K?
    • Myths and Misconceptions Around Supplements
    • Nationwide Vitamin D Deficiency
    • Standard Process Supplements
    • Stress! Is There A Vitamin Deficiency Link?
    • The Irony with Vitamin B13
    • The Lost Fertility Vitamin
    • The Secret about Vitamin C
    • The Truth About Vitamin A Toxicity
    • Trace Mineral Chromium Helps Type 2 Diabetes
    • Trace Minerals: The Overlooked Nutrients
    • Vitamin B5 Deficiency Due to Pesticides
    • Vitamin B6 Banned?
    • Vitamin B9 is More Than a Prenatal Vitamin!
    • Why Do We Need Vitamins?
    • Zinc Deficient Nation
  • ►CBD/Hemp Oil (2)
  • ►Crazy Meets Common Sense! (11)
  • ►Emotional Componet (1)
  • ►Emotions & Health (9)
  • ►Essential Oils (2)
  • ►Food & Drink Investigations (15)
  • ►Food, Lifestyle & Health (13)
  • ►Fruit (13)
    • ►Apple (1)
    • ►Avocado (1)
    • ►Banana (1)
    • ►Cantaloupe (1)
    • ►Cranberry (2)
    • ►Goji Berry (1)
    • ►Lemons (1)
    • ►Lime (1)
    • ►Orange (1)
    • ►Raisin (1)
    • ►Strawberry (1)
    • ►Watermelon (1)
  • ►GMO Dangers & Monsanto (5)
  • ►Healing Benefits of Food (4)
  • ►Health & Thoughts, Perceptions & Beliefs (16)
  • ►Health Conditions (154)
    • ►Addiction Recovery (5)
    • ►ADHD (2)
    • ►Allergies (4)
    • ►Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Memory Loss (3)
    • ►Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (1)
    • ►Anti-Aging (6)
    • ►Anxiety (8)
    • ►Arthritis (4)
    • ►Bipolar Disorder (2)
    • ►Cancer (9)
    • ►Cardiovascular/Heart (10)
    • ►Conjunctivitis (1)
    • ►Coronavirus (COVID-19) (10)
    • ►Decalcify Your Pineal Gland (1)
    • ►Depression (11)
    • ►Detox (4)
    • ►Diabetes (10)
    • ►Digestive Health (1)
    • ►Enzymes (1)
      • ►Serrapeptase (1)
    • ►Eye Care (2)
    • ►Fatigue (3)
    • ►Fatty Liver (2)
    • ►Fibromyalgia (2)
    • ►Hair Loss (1)
    • ►Headache (3)
    • ►Hearing (1)
    • ►Heartburn (1)
    • ►Herpes (1)
    • ►Hormones (2)
    • ►Hypertension (2)
    • ►Immune System (2)
    • ►Inflammation (3)
    • ►Insomnia (4)
    • ►Kidney Stones (1)
    • ►Lactic Acidosis (1)
    • ►Mercury Poisoning (2)
    • ►Multiple Sclerosis (8)
    • ►Myasthenia Gravis (2)
    • ►Osteoporosis (1)
    • ►Pain (8)
    • ►Parkinson’s (1)
    • ►Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (1)
    • ►Pregnancy (1)
    • ►Stress (1)
    • ►Urinary Tract Infection (2)
    • ►Weight Loss (3)
  • ►Health Controversies (36)
  • ►Herbs & Spices (16)
    • ►Basil (1)
    • ►Cayenne (1)
    • ►Cilantro (1)
    • ►Cinnamon (3)
    • ►Ginger (1)
    • ►Oregano (2)
    • ►Parsley (1)
    • ►Rosemary (1)
    • ►Salt (1)
    • ►Superfood Spices (1)
    • ►Thyme (1)
    • ►Traditional Chinese Herbs (1)
    • ►Turmeric (1)
  • ►Holistic Body Care (17)
    • ►Teeth and Gums (6)
  • ►Holistic Health Corner Q&A (3)
    • ►Calcium (1)
    • ►Lithium Orotate (1)
    • ►Vitamin B12 (1)
  • ►Holistic Health Radio! (11)
  • ►Holistic Healthcare (5)
    • ►Chiropractic (3)
    • ►Crystal Healing (1)
    • ►Traditional Chinese Medicine (1)
  • ►Holistic Living (9)
    • ►Animals For Health! (2)
    • ►Holistic Solutions For Your Home (7)
  • ►Living Mindfully (7)
  • ►Meditation & Health (3)
  • ►Move Your Body (9)
  • ►Nuts, Seeds & Legumes (5)
  • ►OHH on the Go! (26)
  • ►Product Investigations (4)
  • ►Raising Holistic Children (12)
  • ►Recommended Products (1)
  • ►Relationships, Happiness & Health (3)
  • ►Self Discovery (20)
  • ►Stress Management (32)
  • ►Sugars (10)
    • ►Dangers of Artificial Sugars (7)
    • ►Health Benefits of Natural Sugars (3)
  • ►Teas & Drinks (6)
  • ►Vegetables (12)
    • ►Asparagus (1)
    • ►Cauliflower (1)
    • ►Celery (1)
    • ►Daikon Radish (2)
    • ►Garlic (2)
    • ►Onion (2)
    • ►Spinach (1)
    • ►Sweet Potatoes (2)
  • ►Water (1)

Self Empowerment

  • ►Emotions & Health (9)
  • ►Health & Thoughts, Perceptions & Beliefs (16)
  • ►Living Mindfully (7)
  • ►Meditation & Health (3)
  • ►Relationships, Happiness & Health (3)
  • ►Self Discovery (20)
  • ►Stress Management (32)

Health Conditions

  • ►Health Conditions (154)
    • ►Addiction Recovery (5)
    • ►ADHD (2)
    • ►Allergies (4)
    • ►Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Memory Loss (3)
    • ►Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (1)
    • ►Anti-Aging (6)
    • ►Anxiety (8)
    • ►Arthritis (4)
    • ►Bipolar Disorder (2)
    • ►Cancer (9)
    • ►Cardiovascular/Heart (10)
    • ►Conjunctivitis (1)
    • ►Coronavirus (COVID-19) (10)
    • ►Decalcify Your Pineal Gland (1)
    • ►Depression (11)
    • ►Detox (4)
    • ►Diabetes (10)
    • ►Digestive Health (1)
    • ►Enzymes (1)
      • ►Serrapeptase (1)
    • ►Eye Care (2)
    • ►Fatigue (3)
    • ►Fatty Liver (2)
    • ►Fibromyalgia (2)
    • ►Hair Loss (1)
    • ►Headache (3)
    • ►Hearing (1)
    • ►Heartburn (1)
    • ►Herpes (1)
    • ►Hormones (2)
    • ►Hypertension (2)
    • ►Immune System (2)
    • ►Inflammation (3)
    • ►Insomnia (4)
    • ►Kidney Stones (1)
    • ►Lactic Acidosis (1)
    • ►Mercury Poisoning (2)
    • ►Multiple Sclerosis (8)
    • ►Myasthenia Gravis (2)
    • ►Osteoporosis (1)
    • ►Pain (8)
    • ►Parkinson’s (1)
    • ►Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (1)
    • ►Pregnancy (1)
    • ►Stress (1)
    • ►Urinary Tract Infection (2)
    • ►Weight Loss (3)

Fitness & Movement

  • ►Holistic Body Care (17)
    • ►Teeth and Gums (6)
  • ►Move Your Body (9)