What is active B12? 

When it comes to maintaining optimal health, we need to make sure that our bodies are getting all the necessary nutrients. One such nutrient is vitamin B12, which is essential for many bodily processes, including energy production, metabolism, and red blood cell production. Our bodies can’t produce B12 itself, so all our B12 needs to come from our diet.¹ However, not all B12 was created equal — find out more about active b12 and how it can support your health and wellbeing. 

What is Active B12? 

Active B12, also known as mecobalamin (or methylcobalamin), is the active form of Vitamin B12, which means it is the form that your body can readily use.² Unlike other forms of B12, which need to be converted into the more active form before your body can use them, active B12 is already in its active state. As a coenzyme, active B12 participates in several metabolic reactions in your body, playing a vital role in energy production, DNA and RNA production, healthy red blood cell formation, and helps to maintain healthy immune system function.² Between 10-30% of B12 is in this form, whereas between 70-90% of B12 exists in the non-active form, which is biologically more difficult for our cells to use.¹ 

What is the difference between B12 and Active B12? 

Vitamin B12 comes in multiple forms, some of which are active, and some of which requires additional processing within our bodies before our cells can use it. The difference lies in their chemical structure. B12 comes in several forms including cyanocobalamin, which needs to be converted into methylcobalamin before your body can use it.³ 

Cyanocobalamin is the most common type of B12 found in supplements,³ but it requires being converted into the active form. This means that if your body is not functioning optimally, you may not be able to convert enough B12 into the active form. Additionally, some people have genetics that affect their ability to convert B12 into the active form, which can lead to deficiencies.⁴ Active B12, on the other hand, is already in the biologically active form — methylcobalamin, or mecobalamin — so it doesn’t need to be converted. Active B12 is a naturally occurring form of B12 that can be absorbed through food sources like meat, eggs, fish and milk.³   

Find Active B12 in Nature’s Own Ultra B 150 Forte 

Nature’s Own Ultra B 150 Forte is a Vitamin B supplement that contains active B12, specifically mecobalamin. This high-potency formula helps support energy production by aiding your body in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also helps relieve tiredness, support nervous system function, and maintain cognitive functions.  

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. 

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Learn about which Nature's Own product may be appropriate for you.