Hydroxycobalamin is a natural active form of vitamin B12, belonging to the cobalamin family, and plays an important role in human physiological functions. Compared with other forms of vitamin B12 (such as cyanocobalamin, adenosine cobalamin, and mecobalamin), it has a unique chemical structure and clinical application characteristics.
Chemical properties: A hydroxyl derivative of cobalamin, with one hydroxyl group (-OH) in the molecule, it is one of the main transport forms of vitamin B12 in the blood.
Source: It is naturally present in certain animal-derived foods (such as meat, fish, and dairy products), and can also be artificially synthesized for use in drugs and supplements.
Characteristics: High stability, water solubility, and after entering the human body, it can be converted into active forms such as mecobalamin or adenosine cobalamin to exert its effects.
The difference from other forms of B12: The hydroxyl group of hydroxycobalt amine is more likely to combine with other substances (such as cyanide), and this characteristic makes it irreplaceable in specific medical scenarios.
Treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency It is suitable for B12 deficiency caused by insufficient dietary intake (such as vegetarians), absorption disorders (such as after gastrectomy, pernicious anemia, intestinal diseases), and can be supplemented by injection or oral administration (injections have higher bioavailability).
Detoxification from cyanide poisoning
This is the most unique application of hydroxycobalamin: it can combine with cyanide (CN⁻) to form non-toxic cyanocobalamin (a type of vitamin B12), which is excreted with urine, and thus is one of the preferred detoxifiers for cyanide poisoning.
Hereditary cobalamin metabolism disorder
It is used to treat certain diseases caused by abnormal absorption or metabolism of cobalamin due to genetic defects (such as megaloblastic anemia with methylmalonic aciduria).
Adjuvant therapy for neurological diseases
It may have an auxiliary improvement effect on peripheral neuropathy (such as diabetic neuropathy), optic atrophy, etc.
