Whether you’ve recently started using B12/MIC, or are considering it to support your weight loss journey, I’m happy to offer my expertise and share what you need to know to better determine where it best fits within your health and wellness journey.
First – what is B12?
Let’s first start with B12, in and of itself. Vitamin B-12 (cobalamin) plays an essential role in red blood cell formation, cell metabolism, nerve function, and the production of DNA, the molecules inside cells that carry genetic information.
The body of evidence in support of these claims is substantial. But, perhaps the best proof of B12’s superpowers is what happens when it is not adequately present in the body. Individuals with known B12 deficiencies or those prone to a potential deficiency due to lifestyle must supplement vitamin B12. Failure to do so may lead to a variety of health issues including anemia, fatigue, muscle weakness, intestinal problems, nerve damage, and mood disturbances, to name a few examples.
Vitamin B-12 deficiency is not super common in the U.S.; however, vegetarianism or veganism is increasingly so. Unfortunately, the parameters of plant-based diets restrict individuals from the very foods where B12 is naturally occurring – mainly, fish, poultry, meat, eggs, and dairy products.
We also tend to see deficiencies in older adults and people with digestive tract conditions or pernicious anemia that affect the absorption of nutrients. These individuals can receive an injectable form of the vitamin, which altogether bypasses the gastrointestinal tract. B12 injections are more readily absorbed in the body and do not have to be administered as often as oral tablets. As a result, injectable B12 has become a popular choice for anyone seeking B12 supplementation, not just those with poor digestive health.
What is B12 + MIC?
At AgelessRx, we have taken the supplemental B12 injection and optimized it with methionine, inositol, and choline (hence the acronym “MIC”). The full formula and the roles of its various components are as follows:
- B12 is a water-soluble vitamin involved in the metabolism that helps the body use fat & carbohydrates for energy & to make new protein
- Methionine is an essential amino that speeds up fat removal within the liver & neutralizes toxins, promoting lean muscle growth
- Inositol is an essential amino that plays a critical role in metabolic function
- Choline is an essential nutrient that helps to regulate memory, mood, muscle control & many other functions
This combination is most effective when used as part of a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise. B12/MIC can help support energy levels, help build lean muscle mass, and even help initiate modest weight loss. For some, it can help to jump-start weight loss.
For patients looking to help push beyond a sticking point in their health goals, short-term B12/MIC use might be appropriate. For others looking for a longer-term solution, the B12/MIC formulation can be a regular tool in an arsenal of weight management strategies.
Should I be concerned about Methionine?
The inclusion of Methionine in our B12/MIC product is an especially attractive addition to the formulation for its efficacy in initial weight loss and as a tool for helping to support long-term weight management. Additionally, methionine has been associated with increased stimulation of the Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Within the anti-aging community, there is consensus around mTOR inhibition as a viable longevity treatment. This can sometimes be confusing for potential B12/MIC users.
If inhibiting mTOR supports longevity, then it is logical to assume mTOR stimulation shortens lifespans. So why, then, would we use methionine (thought to activate mTOR) in our B12/MIC formulation?
The short answer: Research doesn’t yet support this theory enough to say definitively this is or is not the case. Read on…
What does the research say?
First, much of this consensus about methionine is based on a few small studies. The results of a 2005 study, for instance, showed that eliminating methionine in the diets of mice extended life. These findings are somewhat misleading and not all that applicable to human longevity since, let’s face it, completely eliminating methionine from a human diet would be nearly impossible (methionine is found in meat, fish, and dairy, for example).
There is a very short study on methionine restriction involving a small sample size of human patients. In this case, patients were fed highly processed and prepared meals that would be extremely difficult to replicate and maintain in daily life outside of the study.
What is AgelessRx’s stance?
While the research might have some validity, our expert team still believes more research is required. Furthermore, our expert team does NOT believe the quantity of methionine in our current B12/MIC formulation is enough to activate mTOR in any clinically meaningful way (our expert pharmacists agree!). With that in mind, our position favors the benefits of methionine on weight management when used in such amounts over the potential negative impact on longevity.
Like methionine, obesity and insulin resistance are thought to be strong activators of mTOR. If we can utilize safe quantities of methionine to control these factors, we cancel out any potential effect methionine itself would have on mTOR. In fact, a strong argument can be made that B12/MIC is a particularly versatile inhibitor of mTOR precisely because its various components each work to combat distinct catalysts of mTOR stimulation.
If you are concerned at all about methionine, AgelessRx recommends a short-term B12/MIC protocol. This protocol recommends weekly B12/MIC injections for up to 6-months (or 6 total refills). Once you hit the 6-month period, or 6 total refills, take a break from B12/MIC for a minimum of 3-months. This is often referred to as a “washout” period. If you choose to resume B12/MIC supplementation after the 3-month washout period, you can repeat the same protocol again.
If you choose to stick with B12/MIC long-term, we believe there are no ill-effects or concerns when using our formulation. You can remain on B12/MIC for up to 12-months, at which time you will need to complete an Annual Medical Check-In with our team to determine if B12/MIC is still appropriate for you.
The convenience of AgelessRx is that you can pause or cancel your prescription at any time prior to your next refill. So, regardless of what you or your healthcare provider feels is best for you, you can control your prescription at any time via your portal or by simply contacting our team.
As stated previously, B12/MIC is likely to be most effective when used as part of a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise. Based on our expert opinion, B12/MIC is fine to use short-term or long-term, depending on your health goals. You should discuss B12/MIC use with a healthcare professional to determine which is most appropriate for you.
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Note: The above statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.