Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)

Definition

Vitamin B12 contains cobalt-hence the name. Not in plants.

There are several forms of Vitamin B12 in the body: hydroxy, adenosyl, and methylcobalamin.

Cyanocobalamin is the most widely used pharmaceutical form of Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 can be formed by the intestinal bacteria, and it is stored in the liver.

For the body to absorb Vitamin B12, there must be a substance in the small intestinal mucosa called intrinsic factor. This is produced in the stomach.

Calcium is necessary for the complex (Vitamin B12-inrinsic factor) to pass through the intestinal mucosa.

The measurement unit for Vitamin B12 is microgram (mcg)

Permitted Daily Dosage

According to the Norwegian authorities, the largest amount of Vitamin B12 in supplements is set at 9mcg. Recommended daily doses are stated to be 3mcg.

Liver and kidneys are the best Vitamin B12 sources. Besides this, Vitamin B12 is found in milk, cheese, meat, shrimp and oysters.

Function

Vitamin B12 is first and foremost important to prevent pernicious anemia. These diseases are characterized by depression, irritation, and impaired concentration.

Many older people are bothered by this disease.

Furthermore, Vitamin B12 is important for protecting the nerve cells, for the formation of the red blood cells and for normal growth.

The admission is hampered by tobacco, alcohol, coffee, and laxatives.

Deficiency symptoms are general weakness, fatigue, decreased appetite, nervousness, growth inhibition in children and pernicious anemia.

Practical Use

Supplements are generally recommended for elderly, pregnant and breastfeeding, vegans, poor gastrointestinal mucosa (celiac disease, gastric ulcers, cataracts) and to tobacco and alcohol consumers.

Otherwise, Vitamin B12 is used in large doses by pernicious anemia, often in the form of injections.

Larger doses are also used for psychiatric patients, in polynevropathy and in cancer (Nitterkuren).

No reported adverse reactions at recommended doses. Even at doses up to 1000mcg per day for one year, it has not resulted in negative reactions.