# item.guide
Side-by-Side Comparison Essential Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) vs. Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)

Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 9 key differences identified.

Comparing:
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) →

Vitamin B12 is a cobalt-containing water-soluble corrinoid synthesized exclusively by microorganisms. Adult RDA is 2.4µg/day (no Upper Limit established), required for DNA synthesis, methionine synthase homocysteine conversion, and myelin sheath maintenance.

View full Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) spec sheet →
Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) →

Vitamin C is a water-soluble electron donor and antioxidant essential for collagen proline/lysine hydroxylation, non-heme iron absorption, and immune phagocyte function. Adult RDA is 90mg (men) / 75mg (women), with a Tolerable Upper Limit of 2,000mg/day.

View full Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

9 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)
Nutrient Type
Water-Soluble Corrinoid Vitamin Water-Soluble Vitamin
Adult RDA / RDI
2.4 µg / day (2.6µg pregnancy, 2.8µg lactation) 90 mg (Men) / 75 mg (Women) (+35mg for smokers)
Tolerable Upper Limit (UL)
None Established (Extremely low toxicity) 2,000 mg / day (Avoid osmotic diarrhea)
Chemical Forms
Methylcobalamin (Active), Adenosylcobalamin (Active), Cyanocobalamin (Stable synthetic) L-Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Ascorbate, Calcium Ascorbate
Primary Biological Function
Methionine synthase cofactor, Methylmalonyl-CoA mutase cofactor, Myelin integrity, Erythropoiesis Prolyl/Lysyl Hydroxylase cofactor (Collagen), ROS scavenger, Carnitine synthesis
Deficiency Condition
Pernicious / Megaloblastic Anemia, Irreversible Neurological Peripheral Neuropathy Scurvy (Collagen breakdown, capillary fragility, impaired wound healing)
Top Whole Food Sources
Oysters, Beef Liver, Sardines, Salmon, Beef, Dairy, Eggs (Absent in unfortified plant foods) Red Bell Pepper, Strawberries, Citrus, Kiwi, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts
Absorption Mechanism
Requires Gastric Acid, R-Protein, and Intrinsic Factor (IF) via Ileal Cubam receptors —
Thermolability
— Highly heat- and oxygen-sensitive (degrades rapidly with prolonged boiling)

Other Alternatives to Compare

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