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Cynocobalamines, commonly referred to as vitamin B12, is a water-soluble vitamin that is a crucial component of the vitamin B complex, participating in numerous biological functions.
This vitamin is essential for maintaining both physical and mental well-being, significantly contributing to various biological processes, including the formation of red blood cells, neurological functions, and DNA synthesis.
Vitamin B12 is unique among vitamins as it contains the metal element cobalt, which is the reason for its designation as cobalamine.
A deficiency in this vitamin can lead to anemia, fatigue—both physical and mental—insomnia, and emotional instability. Prolonged deficiency may result in irreversible damage to the brain and central nervous system.
Vitamin B12 cannot be synthesized by animals or plants; it is produced exclusively by microorganisms, particularly certain bacteria and fungi known for their ability to generate this vital nutrient.
The significance of vitamin B12 lies in its critical role in red blood cell formation, neurological functions, and DNA synthesis, where it acts as a cofactor for various enzymes necessary for DNA synthesis.
Vitamin B12 is not synthesized in plants and animals. It can be stored for long time in body.
The common food sources of vitamin B12 are given below:
Vitamin B12 offers numerous health benefits, including the following:
This vitamin plays a crucial role in preserving cognitive function by regulating neurotransmitter levels. A deficiency in vitamin B12 is associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, as it helps to control homocysteine levels, which are linked to the development of this condition.
Vitamin B12 is essential for the synthesis of neurotransmitters that influence brain functions, thereby helping to mitigate symptoms of depression.
It contributes to the protection of DNA from damage, as compromised DNA integrity can lead to the onset of cancer.
Vitamin B12 is vital for energy metabolism, as it aids in the regulation of the enzyme Succinyl CoA within the citric acid cycle.
Symptoms associated with deficiency of vitamin B12 are given below:
There are some disease which are caused due to the deficiency of vitamin B12 which are given below:
Deficiency of vitamin B12 occurs when body is unable to absorb sufficient amount of vitamin according to body needs.
It depends upon different conditions like:-
Dose of vitamin B12 may vary according to age and sex which is given below: