Efficacy of supplementation with methylcobalamin and cyancobalamin in maintaining the level of serum holotranscobalamin in a group of plant‑based diet (vegan) adults

Zugravu,Corina-Aurelia; Macri,Adriana; Belc,Nastasia; Bohiltea,Roxana

doi:10.3892/etm.2021.10425

Efficacy of supplementation with methylcobalamin and cyancobalamin in maintaining the level of serum holotranscobalamin in a group of plant‑based diet (vegan) adults

Authors:
- Corina-Aurelia Zugravu
- Adriana Macri
- Nastasia Belc
- Roxana Bohiltea
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Affiliations: Department of Hygiene and Ecology, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania, Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Research and Development for Food Bioresources, 014192 Bucharest, Romania, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
Published online on: July 14, 2021 https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2021.10425
Article Number: 993

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Abstract

Plant‑based nutrition has become extremely popular in the contemporary era. Its positive effects are sustained by many studies, but one of its risks is that it is almost completely devoid of vitamin B12. In the present study, we analyzed the effects of two types of vitamin B12 supplements, cyancobalamin and methylcobalamin on the level of active serum vitamin (holotranscobalamin) in a group of Romanian individuals (n=42) following a (vegan) plant‑based diet. The results revealed that cyancobalamin gives better results in maintaining B12, as quantified by the holotranscobalamin value (median=150 pcg/l) when compared with methylcobalamin (median=78.5 pcg/l). The frequency of administration, regardless of the quantity in one dose, is another important factor in maintaining the holotranscobalamin level within suitable limits. More frequent intakes give more optimal results. Vegans trying to supplement with alternative products (algae, kombucha, other fermented products), had the lowest levels of holotranscobalamin, always bellow the recommended level of 35 pcg/l (median=29 pcg/l). Vegans must be educated on B12 supplementation, about the pharmaceutical forms on the market and their performances and on choosing the optimal plan in order to avoid the onset of B12 deficiency.

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