Product Detailed Description

Liposomal vitamin B12 Cyanocobalamin 0.5% — High Bioavailability Vitamin B12 Supplement

Product Overview

Liposomal vitamin B12 Cyanocobalamin 0.5% is a premium-grade dietary supplement ingredient delivering cyanocobalamin in an advanced liposomal delivery system. Cyanocobalamin (CAS 68-19-9), also known as vitamin B12, cobalamin, or α-(5,6-dimethylbenzimidazolyl)cobamide cyanide, is a water-soluble vitamin with the molecular formula C₆₃H₈₈CoN₁₄O₁₄P and a molecular weight of 1355.37 g/mol. The compound is chemically characterized by a corrin ring coordinating a central cobalt ion, which is bound axially to a 5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole moiety and a cyano group. Cyanocobalamin occurs as dark red crystals or amorphous or crystalline red powder that is odorless, very hygroscopic, and sensitive to light.

Cyanocobalamin is the most stable and widely used synthetic form of vitamin B12 in dietary supplements and pharmaceutical preparations. It is converted in the body to the active coenzyme forms—methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin—which are essential cofactors for methionine synthase and L-methylmalonyl-CoA mutase. These enzymes are indispensable for the conversion of homocysteine to methionine and the isomerization of methylmalonyl-CoA to succinyl-CoA, respectively. Deficiencies in vitamin B12 manifest clinically as megaloblastic anemia and progressive demyelination of the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Why Liposomal Technology?

Conventional oral vitamin B12 supplementation is severely limited by a complex, multi-stage gastrointestinal absorption pathway. The primary active transport mechanism is dependent on gastric intrinsic factor (GIF), a glycoprotein secreted by parietal cells. The saturation of GIF receptors in the terminal ileum imposes a biological ceiling on absorption, often rendering high-dose oral supplementation inefficient for patients with compromised gastric mucosa or intrinsic factor deficiency. Passive diffusion across the intestinal epithelium accounts for only approximately 1% to 2% of total absorption when pharmacological doses are administered. Additionally, the acidic environment of the stomach and the presence of proteolytic enzymes can degrade free cobalamin before it reaches the site of absorption.

Liposomal encapsulation provides four critical advantages:

1. Bypass of Intrinsic Factor Dependency — Liposomal encapsulation offers a biomimetic delivery mechanism that protects vitamin B12 from the acidic gastric environment and enables non-saturable absorption pathways. A study published in the Journal of the Iwate Medical Association demonstrated that oral administration of cyanocobalamin-loaded liposomes to mice resulted in significantly higher blood concentrations compared to aqueous solution administration, even in normal mice with functional intrinsic factor. This indicates that liposomal encapsulation provides superior translocation across the intestinal barrier regardless of intrinsic factor status.

2. Dramatically Enhanced Bioavailability — Liposomal B12 achieves significantly higher AUC and Cmax by utilizing alternative absorption routes such as membrane fusion and lymphatic transport. A human clinical study compared the bioavailability of liquid liposomal vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) versus non-liposomal vitamin B12 in pill form. The liposomal formulation demonstrated up to 4 times higher bioavailability and led to a 42% increase in plasma cobalamin levels compared to only 10% for the non-liposomal pill, while maintaining elevated plasma levels throughout the entire study period.

3. Rapid Serum Repletion — Clinical evidence indicates rapid serum repletion in geriatric populations, with up to 270% increase in serum B12 levels. This rapid repletion is particularly valuable for populations with compromised gastrointestinal absorption, including the elderly and individuals with pernicious anemia.

4. Enhanced Stability and Photoprotection — The phospholipid bilayer shields cyanocobalamin from light-induced degradation. Cyanocobalamin is sensitive to light and is degraded to hydroxocobalamin in aqueous solution. The apparent first-order rate constants for the photodegradation of cyanocobalamin at pH 4.0 are in the range of 2.21–2.70 × 10⁻³ min⁻¹. Liposomal encapsulation provides a protective microenvironment that maintains the integrity of cyanocobalamin during storage and gastrointestinal transit.

Product Specifications

Key Features

• High Purity — Standardized to 0.5% cyanocobalamin in the liposomal formulation, with USP/EP/JP-grade assay of 96.0%–100.5% on dried basis available.

• Liposomal Enhancement — Liposomal encapsulation achieves up to 4 times higher bioavailability compared to non-liposomal pill forms, with a 42% increase in plasma cobalamin levels versus only 10% for the non-liposomal comparator in human clinical study.

• Intrinsic Factor Independence — Liposomal B12 bypasses the GIF-dependent absorption pathway, enabling efficient absorption in individuals with compromised gastric mucosa or intrinsic factor deficiency.

• Rapid Serum Repletion — Clinical evidence indicates rapid serum repletion in geriatric populations, with up to 270% increase in serum B12 levels.

• Red Blood Cell Formation — Supports normal red blood cell formation and helps prevent megaloblastic anemia.

• Neurological Function — Supports neurological function and myelin sheath maintenance, contributing to normal nervous system function and cognitive health.

• Homocysteine Regulation — Cyanocobalamin is converted to methylcobalamin, which is a cofactor for methionine synthase, supporting healthy homocysteine metabolism.

• Superior Stability — Cyanocobalamin is the most stable form of vitamin B12, and liposomal encapsulation further protects it from light-induced degradation. Cyanocobalamin is stable in aqueous solution at pH 4–7.

• Water-Dispersible — Liposomal powder offers excellent dispersibility in aqueous systems; suitable for capsules, tablets, powder drink mixes, and functional beverages.

• Batch Traceability — Complete COA, HPLC chromatogram, and identity data provided for each batch.

Application & Formulation Guidance

Recommended Dosage

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin B12 is 2.4 mcg/day for adults, increasing to 2.6 mcg/day during pregnancy and 2.8 mcg/day during lactation. For supplemental use, cyanocobalamin is commonly used at 500–1,000 mcg/day for general support. For vitamin B12 deficiency, common practices include cyanocobalamin 1,000 mcg orally daily. Liposomal formulations may allow for more efficient utilization of lower doses due to enhanced bioavailability and bypass of the GIF-dependent absorption pathway. For therapeutic applications, doses of 1,000–2,000 mcg/day have been used under medical supervision.

Important Safety Information: Cyanocobalamin is generally well tolerated. It is a water-soluble vitamin, and excess amounts are excreted in the urine. No tolerable upper intake level (UL) has been established for vitamin B12 due to its low toxicity. Individuals with known hypersensitivity to cobalt or cobalamin derivatives should avoid supplementation. Cyanocobalamin may interact with certain medications, including chloramphenicol, proton pump inhibitors, and metformin. Pregnant or lactating women and children should consult a healthcare professional before use.

Shipping & Lead Time

• Stock Orders: 3–5 business days after payment confirmation.

• Bulk / Custom Orders: 2–3 weeks, depending on quantity and customization requirements.

• Shipping Methods: International Express (FedEx, DHL, UPS), air freight, and sea freight.

• Coverage: Worldwide shipping, including remote areas.