Exploring Vitamin B-12
Traits, Benefits and Signs of Deficiency of B-12 (Cobalamin)
Vitamin B-12 plays an essential role in maintaining physical and mental health. Learn why it's so important and how to make sure you're getting the proper amount.
Vitamin B-12, also known as Cobalamin, was first isolated from liver extract in 1948 as a nutrient that prevented the deadly pernicious anemia. The compound is a red crystalline structure with high cobalt content. Vitamin B-12 works with folic acid in many body processes including the synthesis of DNA, red blood cells, and myelin sheath, which is an insulating layer that forms around nerves, including those in the brain and spinal cord.
Vitamin B-12 is found mostly in animal foods – most significantly in organ meats like liver and kidney. It is also found in fish, egg and cheeses. Though it is found in fermented foods and certain sea vegetables, research shows that this form of B-12 may not meet our body’s requirement and is useless. It is therefore often recommended that vegetarians supplement their diet with B-12.
Because it is stored in the liver, kidney and body tissue, deficiency symptoms may not be noticeable for up to 5 or 6 years. Pernicious anemia is the classic result of B-12 deficiency, but it often affects the brain and nervous system first. It can cause impaired mental function and depression, especially in the elderly, so it is easily confused for signs of Alzheimer’s. It can also cause numbness, pins-and-needles, and burning sensations. Because B-12 is necessary for stable neural activity, there is a relationship between its deficiency and auditory dysfunction.
This vitamin also plays an essential role in the metabolism of energy, immune function and nerve function. It is also involved in the metabolism of homocysteine, an amino acid which is considered a factor in the progression of several conditions including diabetes, dementia, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Supplementation of Vitamin B-12 can be helpful in treating many of these conditions as well as others such as AIDS, impaired mental function in the elderly, asthma, depression, diabetic neuropathy, low sperm count, multiple sclerosis and tinnitus.
Supplementation of vitamin B-12 is available as an injection, though it is not necessary. Oral administration is considered just as effective. There are two forms: methylcobalamin form is active immediately upon absorption while the cyanocobalamin form must go through a complicated conversion process. Supplementation is therefore recommended in the methylcobalamin form found in sublingual tablets.
Source:
- Murray, Michael T. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements, 1996.
- Medline Plus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
For more articles like this one, read Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Are Supplements Really Necessary?
