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Vitamins & minerals · FROM DR. PURSER’S TEACHING

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

Needed for nerve function, DNA production and healthy red blood cells.

Based on teaching by Dan Purser, MD. How we prepare these guides

Updated Sep 23, 2026 · Educational reference

THE TEACHING CONNECTION

Transport, use and tolerance

Transport, use and tolerance

Vitamin B12 is involved in the homocysteine pathway with MTR and MTRR. TCN2 helps carry B12. If you have tried a supplement, bring its exact form, such as methyl B12 or hydroxy B12, and note how you felt.

Putting the pieces together

The practical lesson is that taking B12, absorbing or transporting it, and using it in a reaction are different steps. Current laboratory findings and clinical history help determine whether there is a deficiency or another issue. A genetic tendency alone does not settle the diagnosis or the best formulation.

Where the VARS Triad and MTHFR Daily fit

If you are exploring homocysteine or cytokines, Dr. Purser may discuss MTHFR Daily and the VARS Triad: VARS Glutathione, VARS SOD, and VARS Catalase. He gives glutathione a central place in his approach to antioxidant support.

A gene result alone cannot tell you that you need these products or that they will treat a condition. Review your current results, medicines, goals, and tolerance with your clinician before choosing a product or dose.

How supplementation is approached

Dr. Purser distinguishes methylcobalamin from hydroxycobalamin and considers folate alongside B12. MTHFR Daily and Hydroxy B12 + Folinic Acid are relevant product discussions when they match the individualized plan. TCN2, MTR and MTRR provide pathway context, while actual deficiency and absorption concerns require clinical interpretation.

Food sources

Fish; meat; eggs; dairy; foods fortified with B12. Unfortified plant foods are not reliable sources.

Supplement forms

Cyanocobalamin, methylcobalamin, hydroxocobalamin and adenosylcobalamin. The reason for low B12 helps determine the route of treatment.

A question to bring to your visit

What current evidence supports B12 deficiency or impaired availability, and what formulation have I already tried?

What to track and reassess

Track the total B12 and folate across products and any sleep or activation change after switching forms. Ask what clinical or laboratory follow-up is needed, particularly with anemia or neurologic symptoms.

From starting support to follow-up

If you and your clinician start a CMA replenishment plan, you may add one new product at a time, often waiting 3–7 days to see how you feel. A check-in is usually planned near ten weeks during an approximately 100-day period. Follow your written plan for amounts and timing. At follow-up, you may continue, change, or stop each item. This timetable does not automatically end longer-term support.

Names you may see

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) · Cobalamin · B12 · cobalamin