Vitamin B12 belongs to the family of the vitamin B complex. As composition of
Vitamin B12 is cobalt, it is medically known as cobalmain. Completely synthesized by bacteria, Vitamin B12 is found principally in eggs, meat and dairy products.
Vitamin B12 is essential for the amalgamation of red blood corpo cells, growth and development in children and the preservation of the nervous system. Insufficiency of the vitamin can lead to anaemia. The functions of vitamin are discussed in details:
The prime function of Vitamin B12 is the creation of red blood cells and the maintenance of a healthy nervous system. For speedy synthesis of DNA during cell division
Vitamin B12 plays an important role. As the bone marrow tissues are responsible for the formation of red blood cells, during that period this vitamin is essentially significant because the cells separate quickly. For maintaining proper nervous system B12 is the important factor. An insulating fatty sheath composed of a complex protein termed as myelin enclosed the nerves. Thus the
Vitamin plays a crucial role in the metabolism of those fatty acids which are important for the preservation of myelin.
There is certain deficiency that occurs if the
Vitamin B12 is not consumed properly. Anemia is the leading common deficiency that almost all human being suffer. The common symptoms are like too much tiredness, listlessness, pallor, breathlessness, sore tongue, menstrual disorders and loss of resistance power to infection. Irremediable neurological damage and nerve deterioration may also cause due to long-drawn-out
B12 deficiency. After the deficiency has already taken place, during that time secretion from the cells inside layer of the tummy of a glycoprotein, termed as intrinsic factor is necessary through the intake of vitamin B12.
This vitamin B12 intrinsic factor then gets immersed in the ileum in the presence of Calcium. For some people it is not possible as they are unable to produce the intrinsic factor. Thus as the remedy, it is treated with injections of B12. Human body also can store Vitamin B12 in little amount and the total storage capacity for adults is 2-5mg and liver can store up to 80%. The excreted place is the bile for the
Vitamin and again it is efficiently reabsorbed. This process is referred as enterohepatic circulation. The quantity that is excreted in the bile in day can vary from 1 to 10ug (micrograms).
It is recommended by the physicians for the people who are generally vegetarians and vegans need to re-consume more amount of B12 from the dietary sources. As their diet usually do not suffice the requirement of Vitamin B12.
Pregnant women are asked to take required quantity of B12 through their diet. But the quantity of B12 should be more for the lactating women as it helps in the proper supply of breast milk.
The most consistent source of
Vitamin B12 is meat, dairy products and eggs. For vegetarians the most reliable sources are cheddar cheese, dairy products. For vegans the sources are textured vegetable protein, vegetable and sunflower margarines, and breakfast cereals, Soya milks and veggie burger mixes.
