What is Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12, also known as Cobalamin or Cyanocobalamin is a classic case of The Last Shall Come First, in that it was the last vitamin to be identified but has since become of the most popular vitamins. Vitamin B12 has the distinction of being the only vitamin that contains a metal ion, namely Cobalt, henec the name Cobalamin.

Vitamin B12 is mainly absorbed in the terminal ileum and the production of Intrinsic Factor is aboslutely crucial to its absorption. Vitamin B12 as the name suggests is one of the viatmins that comprises the Vitamin B Complex group. Like the other B vitamins, Vitamin B12 is water soluble

Functions of Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is one of those vitamins that plays a role in many body proccesses. Cyanocobalamin is thought to be one the most potent vitamins around and from a clinical point of view it functions as a promoter of normal healthy growth and development. Listed below are more Vitamin B12 functions:

Maintainenance of the integrity of healthy red blood cells

Synthesis of DNA

Synthesis of RNA

Proper functioning of nerves

Aids in fat metabolism

Plays a role in blood transport of oxygen

Benefits of Vitamin B12

The benefits of Vitamin B12 are best understood in the context of its deficiency. Hence Vitamin B 12 deficiency could manifest in any number of a particular set of symptoms, depending on the severity and duration of the deficiency.

Prevention of Heart Attacks--Vitamin B12 works in conjunction with other vitamins, specifically folic acid, to lower homocysteine levels. Elevated levels of homocysteine is now recognized to be one of the most important indicators for elevated risk of heart attack.

 

Neurological Signs--numbness and/or tingling of extremities as a result of demyelination.

Ataxic Gait--This is charaterized by clumsy motions, lack of balance and coordination.