Type: Compound
Vitamin: B12
Name: Cyanocobalamin, Hydroxycobalamin, Methylcobalamin
RDA:3-6 µg
Importance- to Body:
Functions as coenzyme in all cells, particularly in gastrointestinal tract, nervous system, and bone marrow; in bone marrow, acts in synthesis of DNA; when absent, erythrocytes do not divide but continue to increase in size.
Distribution- in Body:
Most complex vitamin; contains cobalt; stable to heat; inactivated by light and strongly acidic or basic solutions; intrinsic factor required for transport across intestinal membrane; stored principally in liver; liver stores of 2000-3000 µg sufficient to provide for body needs for 3-5 years.
Excess Effects:
None listed
Deficiency Effects:
Most cases reflect impaired absorption rather than actual deficit
Pernicious Anemia, Pallor, Anorexia, Dyspnea, Weight Loss, Neurological Disturbances
Food Sources:
Not found in plant foods or butter
Liver, Meat, Poultry, Fish, Dairy, Eggs
Environmental/Geographic Sources:
None listed
Supplemental information:
Vitamin B12
« Supplemental Index« Supplemental Index
Categories: Vitamin
Synonyms:
Cyanocobalamin, Hydroxycobalamin, Methylcobalamin