Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is considered the most complicated Vitamin and is a class of chemically-related compounds. It contains “cobalt”, which is one of the rate elements in bio-chemistry. They are soluble in water and were discovered from its relationship with the “pernicious anemia” disease. This disease attacks the stomach and destroys the parietal cells. The stomach has the key function of secreting the “Intrinsic factor”, which in turn is crucial for absorption of B12 deficiency. This vitamin is also involved in the “metabolism” of each body-cell, affecting DNA synthesis and its regulation.

Vitamin B12 was named referring to the fact that it points to all forms of Vitamins, which are generally termed as “cyanocobalamin”. The cyanocobalamin is a common vitamer of the B12 vitamin family. It is considered the most famous vitamer of the family because of the fact that it is chemically the most stable compound, gets crystallized easily and gets easily purified after bacterial fermentation. The “cyanocobalamin” is also a primary B12 form used for foods and nutritional supplements.

B12 structure appears like a collection of “corrin ring” and cobalt molecules, which are referred as the substrates. These substrates must be synthesized by bacteria and after completion of their synthesis, the Human body has very limited energy left to convert any form of B12 to other with the help of enzymes and removing some chemical groups like “prosthetic” from them. The structure of B12 is considered complex due to various reasons. The crude reason being the corrin rings, which are similar to prophyrin rings found in “cytocrome” and “chlorophyll”. It has six coordinates, out of which one is provided by the dimethylbenzimidazole group, four by corrin ring and one by the cyano group. The cyano group acts as the centre of reactivity and reacts to yield to form the four B12 forms.

Vitamin B12 is especially involved in DNA synthesis and its regulation. It also synthesizes fatty acids and produces energy. Its deficiency can cause severe and permanent damage to the brain and our nervous system. If the vitamin level goes lower than the threshold limit or average limit symptoms like poor memory, fatigue and depression may be experienced.

Vitamin B12 is naturally found in eggs, milk and meats. Animals obtain them directly or indirectly from bacteria. The mushrooms are considered to be its potential source. These vitamins are provided as supplement for processed foods and are available in vitamin pill forms and are recommended for adults from 2 to 3 micrograms per day, although it should be avoided in people sensitive or allergic to cobalt and cobalamin.