Mecobalamin Malaysia Guide: Uses, Benefits, Reviews And More
- Esyms Team
- February 24, 2021
- 4:56 pm
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Mecobalamin Overview
Mecobalamin, also known as Methylcobalamin, MeCbl, or MeB12 is a natural-occurring form of vitamin B12. It can be obtained from supplements and food (unlike Cyanocobalamin which is made in the lab for supplements). Mecobalamin is used to treat or prevent diseases caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. It is also used in treatment for peripheral neuropathy, diabetic neuropathy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin B12 for normal adults is 2.4mcg and higher for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Benefits Of Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is one of the essential vitamins which cannot be produced by our body. It is normally found in animal meat. Vitamin B12 is important for red blood cell formation and the prevention of anaemia. Healthy red blood cells are small and round but those with vitamin B12 deficiency have larger, oval-shaped red blood cells.
Besides that, vitamin B12 is essential for a healthy pregnancy. Vitamin B12 deficiency during the early stage of pregnancy will increase the risk of brain and birth defects— such as neural tube defects, premature birth and miscarriages.
Furthermore, sufficient vitamin B12 intake is important for our bone health. Our bones will have lower bone mineral density and become more fragile over time, thus leading to osteoporosis if our body lacks vitamin B12. Maintaining adequate Vitamin B12 levels can also help to prevent age-related macular degeneration and maintaining healthy eyesight.
Moreover, Vitamin B2 is essential in synthesizing and metabolizing serotonin, a chemical in our body used to regulate mood. Vitamin B12 deficiency may affect our mood and serotonin production which can lead to disorders like depression.
Vitamin B12 also prevents brain atrophy, which is the loss of neurons in our brain and memory loss. Besides, one of the functions of vitamin B12 is to decrease homocysteine levels, thus reducing the risk of heart disease. High levels of amino acid homocysteine in our blood will increase the risk of heart disease.
Lastly, vitamin B12 is also essential to promote healthy hair, skin and nails. Those who lack vitamin B12 will have symptoms like hyperpigmentation, nail discolouration, hair changes, loss of skin colour in patches and cracked mouth corners.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency - What You Need To Know
As we age, our body absorbs less vitamin B12, which can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency. It can also happen if you have had weight loss surgery, an operation that removes part of your stomach, or if you are a heavy alcohol drinker. Some specific individuals have a higher risk of developing vitamin B12 deficiency such as atrophic gastritis (thinning of the stomach lining), pernicious anaemia (difficulty in absorbing vitamin B12), Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, bacterial growth or parasites in the gastrointestinal system as well as immune system disorder such as Graves’ disease.
Those who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet will also have a higher risk of developing vitamin B12 deficiency.
Common symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency includes tiredness, heart palpitation, shortness of breath, pale skin, smooth tongue, constipation, diarrhoea, vision loss as well as mental problems like depression and memory loss.
What Foods Are Rich In Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 can be obtained naturally from food or oral supplements or injections. Animal sources of vitamin B12 include dairy products, eggs, fish, meat and poultry.
Mecobalamin Uses
Mecobalamin is used to treat Vitamin B12 deficiency. Besides, it is also prescribed for individual groups with pernicious anaemia, diabetes and some other conditions.
Mecobalamin Dosage and Formulations
There are several dosage forms for mecobalamin including injectable solution (1mg/mL, 5mg/mL and 10mg/mL), oral capsule (2000mcg), oral lozenges (1mg and 50mcg), oral tablet and sublingual tablet (5000mcg)
Mecobalamin Side Effects
The common side effects after taking mecobalamin are nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite as well as headache. If you experience any serious side effects such as shortness of breath or serious dizziness, please see a doctor or visit your nearest hospital immediately.
Mecobalamin Precautions
Those who had iron deficiency anaemia, low levels of potassium in the blood and Leber’s disease, or any optic nerve damage should tell their doctor before taking this supplement. Also, those who are allergic to vitamin B12 or cobalt should inform their healthcare practitioner before starting on a Mecobalamin regime.
Mecobalamin vs. Cyanocobalamin - What's The Difference?
Vitamin B12 supplements are usually sourced from two different compounds including cyanocobalamin and methylcobalamin. Chemically, mecobalamin contains a methyl group, awhile cyanocobalamin contains a cyanide molecule.
Mecobalamin/Methylcobalamin is a naturally occurring form of Vitamin B12, whereas Cyanocobalamin is a purely synthetic form of vitamin B12, each with its own benefits.
Some studies show that cyanocobalamin may be absorbed by our body slightly better than methylcobalamin. It is also available in injection form, hence it is more suited for people with gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn’s disease.
On the flipside, some studies show that mecobalamin can be retained better and for a longer time in our body compared to cyanocobalamin. Please consult your physician or pharmacist for the best vitamin b12 supplementation options.
Mecobalamin FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about Mecobalamin. We will add more questions when they come.
Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol because heavy drinking makes it harder for your body to absorb mecobalamin.
Take mecobalamin as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Take the medicine as soon as possible, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
Consult your doctor if you have any discomforts or any symptoms.
Where To Buy Mecobalamin in Malaysia?
You can purchase Nova Mecobamin (100 coated tablets) 500mcg at a discounted price of RM59 on esyms online pharmacy store. Alternatively, you can buy Vecobal Mecobalamin (120 tabs) at a discounted price of RM69.90 on esyms.
