Cyanocobalamin vs Hydroxocobalamin
Older people are more prone to vitamin deficiencies like Vitamin B12 deficiency. According to teh statistics, 1 out of 10 people aged 75 and above are afflicted with this deficiency. Younger people rarely acquire this deficiency. How important is Vitamin B12 to our body? It works with folate to build the body’s genetic material which is the DNA. It helps in decreasing the percentage of acquiring heart diseases through maintaining the right levels of homocysteine of the body, a type of amino acid. It is also essential in the production of oxygen-carrying blood which is the red blood cells. With the right amount of red blood cells, the body’s tissues will get enough of a supply of oxygen which is essential in the functioning of each body’s systems. To prevent having this deficiency, cobalamin, a form of Vitamin B12, is essential for intake. There are two cobalamins which aid in deferring this deficiency. They are cyanocobalamin and hydroxocobalamin. Let us discover the differences between cyanocobalamin and hydroxocobalamin.
The advances in technology have made it possible to produce man-made forms of Vitamin B12 which is the cyanocobalamin. It functions to prevent having low blood levels of Vitamin B12. This vitamin is essential to maintain the metabolism of the body, blood cells, and the nerves. Very low levels of Vitamin B12 can possibly result in anemia, gastrointestinal problems, and serious nerve damage. People who acquire this deficiency are those with current gastrointestinal problems, very poor nutritional needs, cancer patients, HIV patients, pregnant women, older people, and alcoholic drinkers. Vegetarian people may also acquire this deficiency. Cyanocobalamin is an over-the-counter medication. Follow the medication’s package instructions regarding the right dosage and when to take it. If you have any doubts, consult a doctor before taking the medication. Avoid taking large doses of Vitamin C since this lowers the absorption rate of Vitamin B12 in the body.
Hydroxocobalamin is a natural form of Vitamin B12. It also functions to treat Vitamin B12 deficiencies. Usually, there is a need for hydroxocobalamin treatment when a person undergoes intestinal surgery because there is a lower absorption rate of Vitamin B12 after surgeries. Hydroxocobalamin injections can also treat pernicious anemia, a condition in which there is a reduced number of red blood cells. This natural form of cobalamin also treats poor vision caused by the excessive use of tobacco. Generally, it can aid in the treatment of optic nerve degeneration which can result in loss of central vision. As prescribed by the doctor, use this medicine regularly to get the most out of it. Always ask your doctor when you are in doubt. There is no harm in asking.
Summary:
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Older people aged 75 and above are more prone to Vitamin B12 deficiencies.
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People who can acquire this deficiency are those with current gastrointestinal problems, very poor nutritional needs, cancer patients, HIV patients, pregnant women, older people, and alcoholic drinkers. Vegetarian people may also acquire this deficiency.
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Vitamin B12 can be found in meat, fish, and dairy products.
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There are two forms of cobalamin that can aid in the treatment of Vitamin B12 deficiency which is the cyanocobalamin and the hydroxocobalamin.
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Cyanocobalamin is man-made while hydroxocobalamin is naturally made.
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Cyanocobalamin and hydroxocobalamin both help in the treatment of low levels of Vitamin B12, low levels of red blood cells, and nerve damage especially to the optic nerves.
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Cobalamins are over-the-counter medications. Before taking cobalamins, thoroughly read the product’s instructions regarding the correct dosage and frequency.
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If still in doubt, consult a pharmacist or a doctor to provide you the necessary precautions before having cyanocobalamin and hydroxocobalamin.