Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12

About

Vitamin B12 or cobalamin is a water-soluble vitamin important in the nervous system.

Description

Vitamin B12 is a complex of chemicals, including cyanocobalamin. Like other B vitamins it is important for energy production, red cell manufacture and DNA synthesis.

Deficiency Symptoms

Deficiency can cause brain damage and neurological disorders. Lesser deficiencies exhibit sore tongue, weakness, back pain and tingling and pain in the extremities.

At a Glance...

Vitamin B12 is important for a healthy nervous system.

Functions Dosage Toxicity Further Information What you need to eat

Vitamin B12 converts carbohydrates, fats and proteins to energy. It is critical in the synthesis of DNA and RNA as well as myelin, the sheath protecting nerve cells.

The RDA is 2.0 mg with a slightly higher intake suggested during pregnancy.

Toxicity unlikely.

Vitamin B12 is slowly absorbed and excess is excreted in the urine. The vitamin is stored in the liver.

This vitamin is not produced by plants, so the only source is animal products, particularly offal, fish, eggs and dairy products.

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