Methyl-B12

Methylcobalamin

Last updated 2026-05-19 · 2 primary citations

Mechanism

B12 maintains the protective insulation around nerve fibers and works as a pair with folate to keep brain-aging biomarkers in check. B12 deficiency is one of the most common — and most missed — causes of brain fog and fatigue in adults over 50.

Why we use it

Half the point of adding folate is wasted without B12 next to it, because they work as a pair. We use the already-active form so the formula works even for the substantial fraction of women whose stomachs absorb cyanocobalamin poorly.

How we dose it

Hericea uses 1,000 mcg per serving (per AM stick pack). The clinical trial range that anchors this dose is 0.5–1 mg/day.

1,000 mcg of the already-active form of B12. Most multivitamins use cyanocobalamin, which your liver has to convert — slowly and incompletely as you age. This form works immediately.

Quality & sourcing

Methylcobalamin (not cyanocobalamin).

Pharma-grade methylcobalamin.

Primary literature

Smith AD et al. (2010)

PLOS One

Source →

RCT (VITACOG)

B-vitamin trio (folate + B12 + B6) reduced brain shrinkage at 24 months in adults with mild cognitive impairment.

B12 was part of the same VITACOG protocol that anchored the folate row. Same trial, same dose principle.

DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0012244

Douaud G et al. (2013)

PNAS

Source →

MRI sub-study (VITACOG)

B-vitamin protocol reduced brain shrinkage specifically in Alzheimer's-vulnerable regions on brain scans.

Imaging confirmation of the protection.

DOI 10.1073/pnas.1301816110