It is an indispensable molecule with a very complex structure and an intricate pathway of absorption and cellular trafficking that requires molecular escort proteins in body fluids and intracellular chaperones.
Vitamin B12 is an essential water-soluble vitamin that is commonly found in a variety of foods such as fish, shellfish, meat, and dairy products. Vitamin B12 is frequently used in combination with other B vitamins in a vitamin B complex formulation.
The vitamin is a cobalt-containing coordination compound generated by intestinal microbes, and a natural water-soluble vitamin of the B-complex family that must combine with Intrinsic Factor (IF) for absorption by the intestine. Vitamin B12 enters the circulation about 3–4 hours later bound to TC (transcobalamin).
Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps keep the body’s nerve and blood cells healthy and helps make DNA, the genetic material in all cells. Vitamin B12 also helps prevent a type of anemia called megaloblastic anemia that makes people tired and weak.
Cobalamin is necessary for hematopoiesis, neural metabolism, DNA and RNA production, and carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. B12 improves iron functions in the metabolic cycle and assists folic acid in choline synthesis.
Vitamin B12 in human body
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| Milk contain vitamin B12 |
