Vitamin B12 or cyanocobalamin, was the last member of the B-complex vitamins.It is red in the color and includes phosphorus and cobalt. Vitamin B12 is a cobalamin molecule that has similarities with hydroxocobalamin and methylcarbylamine. It prevents pernicious anemia and neurological disorders.
Before being absorbed by the body, vitamin B12 is attached to proteins and is freely soluble in water. It can also be produced in the human intestine.
This vitamin is also known as the anti-pernicious anemia factor or Castle’s extrinsic factor. It is abundant in animals and animal products. A human’s liver has the capacity to hold 2000–2500 micrograms of vitamin B12.
It is heat stable, but loses action when exposed to light, air, and alkaline or acidic atmospheres. Cooking reduces the action of this vitamin due to its water solubility, not depletion.
Function of vitamin B12
This vitamin serves a variety of essential functions. Some are here:
Formation of genetic material:
It encourages typical development and growth. It aids in the creation of DNA and RNA, two types of genetic material. It also plays a part in red blood cell synthesis and the prevention of anemia.
Vitamin B12 and folate
Folate has a major role in controlling the growth and function of red blood cells. It further facilitates the body’s effective utilization of iron.
Protection against heart disease
This vitamin, together with vitamins B6 and B9, aids in the control of blood homocysteine levels. Increases in homocysteine levels are associated with heart disease. It could have a stroke and develop atherosclerosis.
Myelin sheath formation
Vitamin B12 is necessary for maintaining the health of your neuron’s myelin coating. It helps the nerves that surround myelin. Symptoms of this vitamin deficiency include tingling, numbness, tiredness, and memory difficulties.
Sources of Vitamin B12
It is plentiful in animals and animal products. The highest concentrations of vitamin B12 may be found in organ meats like liver. Seafood such as fish, eggs, milk, and muscle meat are all excellent sources. Milk and dairy-based foods like cheese are good sources of vitamin B12.
It is not present in plant diets. Thus, the majority of vegetarians and vegans experience a vitamin B12 deficit. The human intestine contains microbiological synthesis, while the exact quantity present is uncertain.
Recommended dietary allowance
The RDA quantity that each person needs is determined by their age and intensity of physical activity. The chart below illustrates how much vitamin B12 is needed based on age:
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Deficiency of Vitamin B12
One of the most vital nutrients, it serves the body in a number of ways. deficiency of this vitamin is often seen in middle-aged and older adults. It most likely happened because there wasn’t enough intrinsic factor produced. The stomach lining’s parietal cells emit intrinsic compounds that facilitate the absorption of vitamin B12. This led to pernicious anemia, in which there is degeneration of the spinal cord.
Tingling in the limbs, a lack of interest, weakness, loss of weight, a painful tongue, and abnormalities related to the nervous system and brain are some of the signs of vitamin B12 insufficiency.
Low vitamin B12 levels have been linked to many chronic age-related illnesses.
Conditions include dementia, cognitive impairment, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis.
There might be some conditions, like pregnancy, stress, or surgery, where the demand for vitamin B12 increases.
Megaloblastic anemia is caused by a low blood level of vitamin B12 and an abnormal inability for new red blood cells to form. An intramuscular injection of this helps treat the condition.
Supplementation
Cyanocobalamin is the most often utilized form of vitamin B12 in supplements. Both pill and oral liquid versions are available. fortification of this vitamin is crucial for goods targeting those with low dietary consumption and for Vegans.