Product Detailed Description

Liposomal vitamin B12 Mecobalamin 0.5% — High Bioavailability Active Vitamin B12 Supplement

Product Overview

Liposomal vitamin B12 Mecobalamin 0.5% is a premium-grade dietary supplement ingredient delivering mecobalamin in an advanced liposomal delivery system. Mecobalamin (CAS 13422-55-4), also known as methylcobalamin, MeCbl, or Coα-[α-(5,6-dimethyl-1H-benzimidazol-1-yl)]-Coβ-methylcobamide, is the biologically active, coenzyme form of vitamin B12. It is chemically characterized by the molecular formula C₆₃H₉₁CoN₁₃O₁₄P and a molecular weight of 1344.38 g/mol. Mecobalamin occurs as dark red crystals or crystalline powder that is soluble in water and slightly soluble in methanol. Its melting point is greater than 300°C, and it is a member of the cobalamin family of compounds.

Mecobalamin is the predominant form of vitamin B12 found in human plasma and tissues. It is directly utilized as a cofactor for methionine synthase, which catalyzes the conversion of homocysteine to methionine, and as a methyl donor for numerous biological methylation reactions. Unlike cyanocobalamin, which requires enzymatic conversion to the active coenzyme forms, mecobalamin is directly bioavailable at the cellular level. It is essential for red blood cell formation, neurological function, DNA synthesis, and myelin sheath maintenance.

Why Liposomal Technology?

Conventional mecobalamin presents significant formulation and stability challenges. The compound is highly light-sensitive. Due to the strong electron-withdrawing effect of the alkyl group at the β-position of the cobalt ion in mecobalamin’s molecular structure, the Co-CH₃ bond energy is weakened, making it highly susceptible to cleavage upon light exposure. Mecobalamin is stable in plasma only when exposed to less than 10 lux of light in amber tubes. Additionally, conventional oral vitamin B12 is limited by poor bioavailability due to degradation in the acidic gastric environment, enzymatic instability, low intestinal permeability, and dependence on intrinsic factor-mediated absorption.

Liposomal encapsulation provides four critical advantages:

1. Enhanced Stability and Photoprotection — The phospholipid bilayer shields mecobalamin from light-induced degradation, protecting the fragile Co-CH₃ bond from photolytic cleavage. Liposomal encapsulation provides a protective microenvironment that maintains the integrity of mecobalamin during storage and gastrointestinal transit.

2. Dramatically Enhanced Bioavailability — Vitamin B12-loaded multivesicular liposomes significantly prolonged drug residence time in vivo, with mean residence time (MRT) extended to 121 hours and bioavailability improved up to 191.89% compared to conventional formulations. Conventional B12 formulations—whether free injection or oral preparations—are limited by rapid clearance and poor bioavailability.

3. Enhanced Cellular Uptake and Tissue Delivery — Mecobalamin-loaded ultra-flexible liposomes demonstrated a deformability index close to 1, enabling them to penetrate deeper into the epidermis and dermis compared to free drug. Cell culture studies demonstrated high uptake rates by human dermal cells with no cytotoxic effects.

4. Water-Dispersible and Clean-Label Compatible — The liposomal powder disperses readily in aqueous systems, making it suitable for functional beverages and liquid formulations. The phospholipid carrier is plant-derived and non-GMO, supporting clean-label positioning.

Product Specifications

Key Features

• High Purity — Standardized to 0.5% mecobalamin in the liposomal formulation, with JP/USP-grade assay of 98.0%–101.0% on anhydrous basis available.

• Liposomal Enhancement — Multivesicular liposome encapsulation achieves up to 191.89% bioavailability with MRT extended to 121 hours, significantly outperforming conventional B12 formulations.

• Directly Active Form — Mecobalamin is the biologically active, coenzyme form of vitamin B12 that requires no enzymatic conversion for cellular utilization.

• Superior Photostability — Liposomal encapsulation shields the fragile Co-CH₃ bond from light-induced cleavage, protecting mecobalamin from degradation during storage and transit.

• Clinically Validated for Neuropathy — A 16-week randomized controlled trial in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and low serum B12 demonstrated that daily oral mecobalamin (1,000 μg or 2,000 μg) significantly improved neuropathic symptoms, with NRS scores decreasing from 7.00 ± 2.03 to 5.60 ± 2.19 (p=0.016) in the 1,000 μg group and from 6.18 ± 2.40 to 4.42 ± 2.50 (p=0.007) in the 2,000 μg group.

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

• Homocysteine Regulation — Mecobalamin is a cofactor for methionine synthase, supporting healthy homocysteine metabolism and cardiovascular health.

• 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, mecobalamin is commonly used at 500–1,500 mcg/day for nerve health support. A 16-week randomized controlled trial in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and low serum B12 used 1,000 μg or 2,000 μg of oral methylcobalamin daily, with both doses significantly improving neuropathic symptoms. For therapeutic applications, doses of 1,500–2,000 mcg/day have been used under medical supervision. Liposomal formulations may allow for more efficient utilization of lower doses due to enhanced bioavailability and protection from degradation.

Important Safety Information: Mecobalamin 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. Mecobalamin 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.