Vitamin B12 helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells. It is also needed to help make DNA, the genetic material in all cells. Vitamin B12 is also called cobalamin because it contains the metal cobalt.

Vitamin B12 is bound to the protein in food. Hydrochloric acid in the stomach releases vitamin B12 from proteins in foods during digestion. Once released, vitamin B12 combines with a substance called intrinsic factor (IF). This complex can then be absorbed by the intestinal tract.

Functions and benefits of Vitamin B12

Methylcobalamin is required for the function of the folate-dependent enzyme, methionine synthase. This enzyme is required for the synthesis of the amino acid, methionine, from homocysteine. Methionine is required for the synthesis of S-adenosylmethionine, a methyl group donor used in many biological methylation reactions, including the methylation of a number of sites within DNA and RNA. Methylation of DNA may be important in cancer prevention. Inadequate function of methionine synthase can lead to an accumulation of homocysteine, which has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.

The benefits of vitamin B12 help with the synthesis of both amino and fatty acids. Vitamin B12 is highly beneficial in various forms. Methylcobalamin, the coenzyme form of vitamin B12 is a body-friendly version, which means that no metabolic steps are required for its ingestion and it can be used it in its normal form. Vitamin B12 helps in the formation of red blood cells and in the maintenance of the central nervous system. Nerves are surrounded by an insulating fatty sheath comprised of a complex protein called myelin. B12 plays a vital role in the metabolism of fatty acids essential for the maintainence of myelin.

Recommended Dosage for Vitamin B12

Recommended dietary allowances are 2.4 micrograms per day for adults and adolescents aged 14 years and older, 2.6 micrograms per day for adult and adolescent pregnant females, 2.8 micrograms per day for adult and adolescent lactating females.

The following is a list of the amount of folate contained in 100g of these foods:

* calf liver (fried) 58 micrograms
* cheddar cheese 2.4 micrograms
* salmon (grilled) 5 micrograms
* steak 2 micrograms

Food sources of Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is found in most foods of animal origin. Vitamin B12 is found in eggs, meat, poultry, shellfish, and milk and milk products.

Deficiency Symptoms of Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 plays an important role in DNA synthesis and neurologic function. Deficiency can lead to a wide spectrum of hematologic and neuropsychiatric disorders that can often be reversed by early diagnosis and prompt treatment.

Vitamin B12 deficiency results in impairment of the activities of B12-requiring enzymes. Impaired activity of methionine synthase may result in elevated homocysteine levels, while impaired activity of L-methylmalonyl-CoA mutase results in increased levels of a metabolite of methylmalonyl-CoA, called methylmalonic acid. Individuals with mild vitamin B12 deficiency may not experience symptoms, although blood levels of homocysteine and/or MMA may be elevated.

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Alien writes for Vitamins supplements . He also writes for vitamins world and you can get more information on Vitamin B12 .