B12 is a required cofactor for methionine synthase, which converts homocysteine to methionine. Methionine is then converted to S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), the cell's primary methyl donor. SAM provides methyl groups for DNA methylation — an epigenetic modification that regulates gene expression without changing the DNA sequence. Changes in DNA methylation patterns are a hallmark of aging, and B12-dependent one-carbon metabolism is studied as a key variable in this process.1
LONGEVITY
Vitamin B12
$99.99
Research-grade Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) intended as a reference material for analytical chemistry, enzymology, and cellular one-carbon metabolism studies. Not supplied as a dietary supplement.
ClassCobalamin
GradeResearch-Grade
UseReference Material
PurityPending COA
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Product Overview
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is an essential water-soluble vitamin that serves as a cofactor for two critical enzymes in human metabolism: methionine synthase and methylmalonyl-CoA mutase. These enzymes are involved in one-carbon metabolism (the biochemical pathway that produces methyl groups needed for DNA synthesis, amino acid metabolism, and epigenetic regulation) and the breakdown of certain fatty acids and amino acids.
OSYRIS offers research-grade B12 as a reference material for laboratory use. Unlike consumer-grade supplements, this product is synthesized to research specifications with batch-specific purity verification via HPLC and LC-MS analysis. It is included in the Longevity & Cellular Health category because B12-dependent one-carbon metabolism is an active area of aging biology research — disruptions in this pathway are associated with elevated homocysteine levels, DNA methylation changes, and neurological decline in aging populations.
Research Applications
Mechanism and Experimental Context
When B12 is insufficient, the conversion of homocysteine to methionine is impaired, leading to homocysteine accumulation. Elevated homocysteine is associated with cardiovascular and neurological outcomes in epidemiological studies, and B12-dependent pathways are studied to understand the biochemistry underlying these associations.2
B12 deficiency in animal models produces neurological changes including demyelination and cognitive impairment. Research investigates the mechanisms linking B12 to myelin integrity, neurotransmitter synthesis, and neuroinflammation. B12's role as a cofactor in methylmalonyl-CoA mutase connects it to fatty acid metabolism in neural tissue, providing a biochemical link to myelin maintenance.3
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Referenced Studies
Source Literature
[1]
Smith AD, et al. "Homocysteine and dementia: an international consensus statement." Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 2018. PubMed: PMID 30040729
[2]
Refsum H, et al. "Homocysteine and cardiovascular disease." Annual Review of Medicine, 1998. PubMed: PMID 9509248
[3]
Stabler SP. "Vitamin B12 deficiency." New England Journal of Medicine, 2013. PubMed: PMID 23323867
Certificate of Analysis
Batch Documentation
Current published batch documentation is surfaced on-page whenever the provider exposes a public COA asset.
Certificate Pending
A public COA asset is not currently available for this product. This page will surface the batch document as soon as it is published.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Vitamin B12
OSYRIS offers research-grade B12 as a reference material for cellular metabolism research. Unlike consumer supplements, this product has batch-specific purity verification via HPLC/LC-MS and is intended for laboratory use.
No. This is research-grade cobalamin manufactured to higher purity specifications than consumer supplements and verified by independent laboratory testing. It is sold for laboratory research, not dietary supplementation.
B12-dependent one-carbon metabolism is an active area of aging biology research. DNA methylation changes are a hallmark of aging, and B12 is a required cofactor in the methylation pathway. Researchers study it as a variable in cellular aging models.
It's the biochemical pathway that produces methyl groups used for DNA methylation, amino acid metabolism, and nucleotide synthesis. B12 and folate are essential cofactors. Disruptions in this pathway are linked to elevated homocysteine and altered DNA methylation patterns.
Store at 2-8°C, protected from light. B12 is light-sensitive — exposure to strong light can degrade the cobalt-corrin ring structure.
Cobalamin (the general form). Check the product specifications and COA for the exact form and purity data.
Every batch is independently tested via HPLC and LC-MS. The COA is downloadable on this page.
No. Vitamin B12 is a cobalt-containing organometallic compound, not a peptide. It is included in the OSYRIS catalog as a research-grade reference material relevant to cellular metabolism and aging research.
Every Batch Tested by an Independent Lab
We publish the Certificate of Analysis for every product. See our full testing process.