Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) Information

Vitamin B12 also known as cobalamin is an essential water-soluble vitamin. Pernicious anemia is a related to a vitamin B12 deficiency. Deficiency of vitamin B12 is rarely a result of the vitamin's absence in the diet. Many who develop pernicious anemia lack intrinsic factor, which binds to the vitamin for absorption purposes.

B12 is the most chemically complex of all the vitamins. Because vitamin B12 cannot be made by plants or by animals. The original source of B12 in nature is bacteria, the only creatures able to manufacture this vitamin.

Benifits to our body

Vitamin B12 is essential for DNA synthesis. Vitamin B12 is also part of the red blood cell ring that carries oxygen. Necessary for fat, carbohydrate and protein metabolism. Increases energy. Promotes growth in children. Maintains healthy nervous system.

Food Resource

Vitamin B12 is naturally found in foods including meat (especially liver and shellfish), eggs, and milk products. Vitamin B12 is also found in many energy drinks.