Pharmacokinetics: Cyanocobalamin is administered intranasally, orally, and parenterally, while hydroxocobalamin is administered only parenterally. Once absorbed, vitamin B12 is highly bound to transcobalamin II, a specific B-globulin carrier protein and is distributed and stored primarily in the liver as coenzyme B12. The bone marrow also stores a significant amount of the absorbed vitamin B12. This vitamin crosses the placenta and is distributed into breast milk. Enterohepatic recirculation conserves systemic stores. The half-life is about 6 days (400 days in the liver). Elimination is primarily through the bile; however, excess cyanocobalamin is excreted unchanged in the urine
This mechanism naturally limits absorption when B12 is consumed in large quantities, with excess amounts typically eliminated through the kidneys without causing harm
How its done The needle is inserted at a 90-degree angle so that it pierces the skin down into the muscle
When finished, remove the needle and dispose of it in a proper sharps container
Adequate B12 allows normals RBC formation (preventing anemia-related fatigue) and keeps nerves myelinated
For general supplementation in at-risk groups (vegans, older adults), 25100 micrograms daily or 2000 micrograms weekly is typically sufficient