Customization: | Available |
---|---|
CAS No.: | 13870-90-1 |
Formula: | C72h99con18o17p |
Still deciding? Get samples of $ !
Request Sample
|
Suppliers with verified business licenses
Audited by an independent third-party inspection agency
Cobamamide, also known as adenosylcobalamin or coenzyme B12, is a biologically active form of vitamin B12. It is a cobalt-containing organometallic compound that plays a critical role in cellular metabolism. Unlike synthetic forms such as cyanocobalamin, cobamamide is a naturally occurring coenzyme directly utilized in enzymatic processes.
Biological Functions
Methyl Transfer Reactions: Serves as a cofactor for methylmalonyl-CoA mutase, an enzyme essential for converting methylmalonyl-CoA to succinyl-CoA in mitochondrial metabolism, crucial for energy production.
DNA Synthesis and Erythropoiesis: Supports red blood cell formation and neurological health by aiding DNA synthesis and maintaining myelin sheath integrity.
Neurological Maintenance: Vital for nerve function, preventing demyelination and neurodegenerative complications associated with B12 deficiency.
Clinical Applications
Treatment of Deficiency: Addresses vitamin B12 deficiency caused by pernicious anemia, malabsorption syndromes, or dietary insufficiency.
Neuropathy Management: Used in peripheral neuropathies and conditions like diabetic neuropathy due to its role in nerve repair.
Metabolic Disorders: Administered in inherited disorders (e.g., methylmalonic acidemia) to bypass enzymatic defects.
Pharmacology and Administration
Forms: Available as oral tablets, sublingual preparations, and intramuscular injections, with injections often preferred for severe deficiency.
Bioavailability: Unlike cyanocobalamin, cobamamide requires no metabolic conversion, offering direct efficacy in mitochondrial pathways.
Safety and Considerations
Side Effects: Generally well-tolerated; rare adverse effects include mild gastrointestinal discomfort or hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., rash, itching).
Monitoring: Regular serum B12 and homocysteine levels recommended during prolonged therapy.
Drug Interactions: Caution with medications affecting absorption (e.g., proton pump inhibitors, metformin).
Comparison with Other B12 Forms
Cobamamide and methylcobalamin are active coenzymes, bypassing the need for metabolic conversion required by cyanocobalamin. This makes them preferable in patients with enzymatic conversion impairments.
Conclusion
Cobamamide is a pivotal therapeutic agent for addressing B12 deficiency and its complications, offering direct metabolic activity and enhanced efficacy in neurological and hematological disorders. Its use underscores the importance of tailored vitamin B12 supplementation in clinical practice.