Vitamin B12 health

Vitamin B12, which is also known as cobalamin, was the last B vitamin to be identified. It is water soluble, bright red in color and has an atom of cobalt at its center. The average adult body contains 2 to 5 mg of vitamin B12, with 80 per cent of this stored in the liver.

Benefits

Metabolism

Vitamin B12 is essential for metabolism of fats and carbohydrates and the synthesis of proteins. Vitamin B12 is also essential for the transport and storage of folate in cells and for conversion to its active form. Rapidly dividing cells, such as those in the epithelium and bone marrow, have the greatest need for vitamin B12.

Brain and nervous system

Vitamin B12 is involved in the manufacture of the myelin sheath, a fatty layer which insulates nerves. It is also essential in the formation of neurotransmitters.

Blood cells

The manufacture and normal functioning of blood cells requires vitamin B12.

Genetic material

Vitamin B12 is necessary for the production of nucleic acids, which make up DNA, the genetic material of the cell.

Vitamin B12 Categories:

Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 health
Vitamin B12 absorption
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Vitamin B12 sources
Vitamin B12 recommended daily
Vitamin B12 supplements
Vitamin B12 interactions

Other Vitamins:

Vitamin A
Carotenes
Beta carotene
Lycopene
Lutein
Thiamin
Riboflavin
Niacin
Vitamin B6
Folate
Vitamin B12
Biotin
Pantothenic acid
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Vitamin K