What’s the difference between B12 as cyanocobalamin and methylcobalamin? Which is the better form?

Vitamin B12 comes in two commercially available forms: methylcobalamin and cyanocobalamin.

 

SmartyPants includes vitamin B12 as methylcobalamin, which is the active, naturally-occuring form of B12 that is attached a methyl group and can be found in supplements as well as foods like meat, fish, milk and eggs. Cyanocobalamin, a synthetic form of B12 (attached to a cyanide molecule), is a common form of B12 used in dietary supplements because it's cost-effective.

 

We only include the methylated form of B12 as methylcobalamin as it's easier for our bodies to absorb and use.