Activated B12
Activated B12 is a form of vitamin B12 that has been chemically altered to make it more bioavailable and easier for the body to utilise. Our activated B12 line of products provide this essential vitamin in a way that allows for efficient absorption and usage at the cellular level.
What is Activated B12?
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that plays a number of important roles in the body including:
- Supporting energy production and metabolism
- Assisting with the formation of red blood cells
- Maintaining healthy nervous system function
- Supporting cardiovascular health
- Aiding in DNA synthesis
While standard B12 supplements rely on normal digestion to break down and absorb this vitamin, activated B12 has undergone a chemical process to make it more bioavailable. This means it does not require digestion and can be absorbed directly under the tongue or through the skin via topical creams and lotions.
The chemical alteration causes the molecular bonds in B12 to weaken so that it more readily releases and shares electrons. This makes it incredibly eager to participate in critical bodily processes. Essentially activated B12 puts this vitamin into “high gear” so your body can utilise it more effectively.
Why Do We Use Activated B12 in Our Products?
There are two main reasons we utilise activated B12 in our product formulations:
1. Enhanced Absorption and Bioavailability
As mentioned, the chemical structure of activated B12 allows it to be absorbed without the need for digestion. Research indicates that activated forms can be up to 300% more bioavailable than standard B12. This leads to substantially increased vitamin levels and associated health benefits.
By incorporating activated B12 into our lotions, creams, and oral supplements, we ensure maximum absorption of this vital nutrient for robust nutritional support.
2. Improved Delivery to Cells and Tissues
The altered molecular bonds in activated B12 make it eager to donate electrons to participate in bodily processes. This means it can easily slip into cells and tissues to support energy, oxygenation, hormone balance and more.
In other words, activated B12 delivers vitamin supplementation exactly where your body needs it at the cellular level.
By harnessing the power of activation, we provide B12 that is optimised for biological use. Our activated B12 products feature unmatched delivery for proper nutrition and healthy cell, tissue, and organ function.
Key Benefits of Activated B12
Activated B12 supplementation confers an array of evidence-backed benefits:
May Boost Energy and Alleviate Fatigue
By driving important cellular processes, activated B12 supports energy production and combats tiredness and fatigue. Those with low B12 levels often feel more tired than their counterparts with adequate levels.
Supports Nervous System Health
B12 plays an important role in nervous system function. Activated forms provide superb availability of this nutrient to protect myelin sheaths, maintain neuron health, support neurotransmitter balance and more. This may have positive effects on mood, cognition, memory and focus.
Augments Cardiovascular Function
The enhanced cell and tissue delivery of activated B12 ensures heart cells and vessels receive ample enrichment with this vitamin. This may support healthy blood pressure levels already in the normal range along with cardiovascular performance.
Helps Form Red Blood Cells
Activated B12 aids the development of mature red blood cells to enhance oxygen-carrying capacity. This means more oxygen reaches your tissues to allow cells to produce energy efficiently.
May Boost Immune Function
B12 is a modulator of immune response. Activated forms provide excellent bioavailability of this vitamin to support immune cell health and activity. This is key to a balanced and robust defense against pathogens and foreign invaders.
Aids DNA Synthesis and Gene Expression
Activated B12 is readily delivered to cell nuclei where it drives DNA synthesis and supports genetic expression. This facilitates proper cellular replication and renewal for systemic health.
Why is Activated B12 Essential?
While our bodies require just micrograms of B12 each day, it remains an essential nutrient. This means it must come from diet or supplementation as the human body cannot produce it on its own.
B12 plays a role in numerous metabolic pathways and physiological processes so adequate levels are crucial for overall wellbeing. Deficiency can lead to energy depletion, mood disorders, neurological issues and elevated homocysteine levels linked with heart disease and stroke risk.
Plant foods do not contain active B12. Some animal products have it, but absorption rates may be low. Supplementation is often necessary, especially with sublingual or topical activated forms for enhanced delivery.
Regular testing and tracking of B12 status is advisable to avoid insufficiency and enjoy the array of benefits this critical nutrient imparts.
Who Might Benefit from Taking Activated B12?
Activated B12 supplements or topicals can benefit:
- Those with fatigue, low energy levels or difficulty concentrating
- Individuals diagnosed with a B12 deficiency
- People who suffer from digestive issues that hamper nutrient absorption
- Vegans, vegetarians and those who rarely eat meat
- Seniors and older adults with decreased stomach acid secretion
- Anyone seeking the anti-ageing effects and protective benefits of adequate B12 status
- Individuals on long courses of antacid medications, metformin or other drugs that deplete B12 levels
- Athletes and active individuals with increased nutritional needs
- Anyone seeking to safeguard cardiovascular, neurological, or metabolic health
B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, so activated forms are considered extremely safe, even in larger doses. Those already getting adequate B12 will simply excrete excess levels.
Of course, it is always advisable to discuss activated B12 supplements or topicals with your healthcare provider before commencing use, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for a serious medical condition.
How to Take Activated B12 Supplements
The most common forms of activated B12 dietary supplements include tablets, capsules, sublingual oils, nasal sprays and dissolving lozenges.
Since activated B12 is easily absorbed without digestion, it can bypass stomach breakdown and be taken on an empty stomach. It is rapidly dispersed via blood flow for cellular delivery.
Follow dosing instructions provided for individual products for optimal results. In general:
- Tablets & Capsules: Take 1-2 capsules daily with water or as recommended. Absorption occurs via membranes in the mouth so let dissolve before swallowing.
- Sublingual Oils: Place several drops under tongue and hold for 60 seconds before swallowing. Use once or twice daily.
- Nasal Sprays: Close one nostril and administer 2 sprays into other nostril. Inhale gently then alternate nostrils. Use once daily or as directed.
- Lozenges: Allow to fully dissolve in mouth without chewing or swallowing. Best used between meals for faster absorption.
When using topical creams, lotions or hair products enriched with activated B12, simply massage into skin or scalp as part of your regular routine. Wash hands after application.
Monitoring Your B12 Levels
While most people can benefit from activated B12 supplementation, having your blood levels assessed periodically ensures you are maintaining optimal status.
The standard reference range for B12 falls between 200–900 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). However, many functional medicine practitioners prefer levels reach 600-800 pg/mL for ideal health and disease prevention.
Get your B12 checked via bloodwork every 6 to 12 months based on your individual health factors and dietary intake levels. Adjust activated B12 dosing as needed to reach or maintain desired concentrations.
Tracking B12 over time allows you to personalise your intake, harness this critical vitamin’s array of benefits, and avoid the unwanted effects of insufficiency.
Activated B12 FAQs
Q: Is activated B12 better than cyanocobalamin or other forms of B12?
A: Activated B12 has undergone molecular processing to make it more bioavailable than standard variations like cyanocobalamin. However, all supplemental forms effectively raise B12 levels when properly absorbed. Cyanocobalamin requires conversion to active forms the body can utilise which some people have difficulty with. Activated B12 skips this step for more direct nourishment. Those with digestive issues likely benefit more from activated supplementation.
Q: Can I take too much activated B12?
A: B12 is a water soluble vitamin, so any excess is generally excreted in urine. While low B12 causes health issues, there have been no reports of toxicity or adverse events even with high level supplementation. However, stick to suggested dosing protocols or follow medical advice when using activated B12. More is NOT necessarily better.
Q: How quickly does activated B12 work in the body?
A: Enhanced absorption means activated B12 takes effect more rapidly than less bioavailable forms. Most people notice a boost in energy, elevated mood, easier breathing during workouts, mental clarity and more within several hours or days of first use. However, it can take 1-2 weeks of consistent dosing to reach full potential benefits.
Q: Can I get enough B12 from my diet instead of supplements?
A: Very few plant-based foods provide B12, so vegetarians and vegans require supplementation in nearly all cases. Even meat eaters often fall short due to depleted topsoil levels of this critical nutrient. Digestive issues and medications also hamper absorption for many people. Getting B12 levels tested ensures you know if diet alone is sufficient or activated supplementation should be added.
Q: Who should NOT take activated B12?
A: Activated B12 is well tolerated by most healthy people. However, some genetic conditions make it unsafe to ingest high doses of this vitamin. Additionally, activated B12 may alter absorption of certain medications. If you are being treated for illness, taking prescription pharmaceuticals, or have been diagnosed with a serious health condition, discuss activated B12 with your doctor first.