What is Seeking Health Hydroxo-Adeno B12 and who is it for?
Hydroxo-Adeno B12 is a lozenge supplement combining two non-methylated forms of vitamin B12: hydroxocobalamin and adenosylcobalamin. It’s designed specifically for people who experience sensitivity to methylated nutrients (like methylcobalamin) but still need B12 support. If you’ve had nervousness, headaches, or rapid heartbeat from methylated B vitamins, this formulation offers an alternative pathway.
This product makes sense if you have digestive issues affecting B12 absorption, want to support energy production at the cellular level, or are working with a practitioner on methylation support but need a gentler form. The lozenge delivery bypasses your digestive system, which is particularly relevant if you have absorption challenges.
Fairfield Nutrition Thoughts
B12 deficiency is common and often overlooked, particularly in people with digestive issues, restricted diets, or certain genetic variations. Most B12 supplements come in methylated forms, which work well for many people but can trigger unwanted reactions in those sensitive to methyl donors. Seeking Health’s approach here is clinically sound: providing bioavailable B12 in forms that bypass the methylation step initially, allowing the body to generate methyl groups at its own pace.
The combination of hydroxocobalamin and adenosylcobalamin is well-reasoned. Hydroxocobalamin converts readily to both adeno and methyl forms as needed, while adenosylcobalamin is the mitochondrial form directly involved in energy production. Research supports both forms for B12 status and energy metabolism. The lozenge delivery is practical for anyone with absorption challenges.
Why This Formulation / How It Works
Most B12 supplements use methylcobalamin, which is already in the “activated” methyl form. For people sensitive to methyl donors, this can feel like too much, too fast. Seeking Health’s two-form approach gives your body more control over the pace. Hydroxocobalamin and adenosylcobalamin require a few additional enzyme steps before methyl groups are liberated, which many people find gentler and more tolerable.
The lozenge format matters here too. Rather than swallowing a capsule that relies on stomach acid and digestive enzymes, the lozenge dissolves in your mouth, allowing sublingual absorption directly into the bloodstream. This is particularly useful if you have low stomach acid, digestive inflammation, or conditions affecting nutrient absorption.
Role in Energy Production
Adenosylcobalamin is concentrated in your mitochondria, where it functions as a cofactor in the methylmalonyl-CoA mutase enzyme. This enzyme is critical in the pathway that converts certain fatty acids and amino acids into acetyl-CoA, a central molecule in cellular energy production. When B12 is low, this pathway stalls, which is why B12 deficiency often presents as fatigue.
Role in Methylation and Detoxification
Both forms of B12 support methylation reactions through the methionine synthase (MTR) enzyme, which requires cobalamin as a cofactor. Methylation is involved in DNA synthesis, neurotransmitter production, and phase II detoxification pathways. Hydroxocobalamin has additional research showing it can bind to cyanide and other environmental toxins, supporting the body’s normal detoxification processes.
When to Consider This
This formulation makes sense if you’re:
Experiencing digestive issues that affect nutrient absorption, including low stomach acid, inflammatory bowel conditions, or post-bariatric surgery status.
Noticing fatigue or low energy that hasn’t improved with diet alone, or you suspect B12 deficiency based on bloodwork.
Sensitive to methylated nutrients but need B12 support—you’ve tried methylcobalamin or methylfolate and experienced headaches, nervousness, or rapid heartbeat.
Supplement strategy: Hydroxo-Adeno B12 typically works well as a standalone B12 source, though many people introduce it alongside foundational gut support supplements if they’re addressing absorption issues. The lozenge format makes it easy to adjust dosing based on how you feel—start with half a lozenge and increase to a full lozenge if needed.
⚠️ Not suitable for: Children under 4 years old, people with cyanide exposure concerns (discuss with healthcare provider first), those taking certain medications that affect B12 absorption (consult your healthcare professional).
How to Use
Start with half a lozenge by mouth during the first week. Let it dissolve slowly and swallow. If you need more support, increase to one full lozenge as needed. You can take this as needed rather than daily, though many people find consistent use more effective for maintaining B12 levels.
Important timing: Don’t take within 5 hours of bedtime, as B12 can interfere with sleep for some people. The lozenge format means you’re getting absorption without digestive processing, so you don’t need to take it with food. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children.
Ingredients
Per lozenge:
Hydroxocobalamin (Vitamin B12) — 1,000 mcg
Adenosylcobalamin (Vitamin B12) — 1,000 mcg
Other ingredients: Sorbitol, natural cherry flavor, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose
Allergen information: Free from common allergens. Suitable for vegetarian, vegan, and bariatric diets.
Common Questions
How is this different from regular methylcobalamin?
Methylcobalamin is already in the methyl form, which some people find overwhelming. Hydroxo-Adeno B12 uses non-methylated forms that your body converts more gradually, making it gentler for people sensitive to methyl donors. If you’ve had headaches or nervousness from methylated B vitamins, this is worth trying.
Will this actually help my energy?
If your fatigue is related to B12 deficiency, yes. Adenosylcobalamin is the form your mitochondria use directly for energy production. That said, if your fatigue has other causes (sleep, iron deficiency, thyroid), B12 alone won’t fix it. But if you suspect low B12, this is a solid option to trial for 4-6 weeks and see how you feel.
Can I take this if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Yes—Seeking Health specifically notes this is suitable for pregnancy and breastfeeding. B12 is important during both periods. If you’re working with a healthcare provider, mention you’re taking it so they can monitor your B12 levels.
Why do I need to wait 5 hours after bedtime to take this?
B12 can be stimulating for some people and may interfere with sleep if taken too close to bedtime. If you find you sleep fine with it, you can adjust your timing—just start with the manufacturer’s guidance and notice how your body responds.
Warnings & Storage
Do not use if: You're under 4 years old, you have a known cyanide exposure concern (hydroxocobalamin binds cyanide; discuss with your healthcare provider first).
Cautions: If you're taking medications that affect B12 absorption (metformin, PPIs, H2 blockers), let your healthcare provider know you're supplementing. Some medications may reduce the effectiveness of B12 supplementation. If you have pernicious anemia or other B12 absorption disorders, work with your healthcare provider to monitor B12 levels.
Storage: Keep closed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children.
Always consult your healthcare professional before use if you have any pre-existing conditions or are taking medications.












