What is vitamin B12?
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Stacy Wiegman answered:Vitamin B12, or cyanocobalamin, is a prescription medication used to increase low vitamin B12 levels. It may be given as an injection, nasal spray, or tablets. Vitamin B12 is essential for the growth and reproduction of certain cells in the body and for the function of certain enzymes in the body. It helps to make DNA, red blood cells, and keeps your nervous system working as it should. An appropriate amount of vitamin B12 can usually be obtained in a well-rounded diet that includes fish, meat, and dairy products. A low level of vitamin B12 could be caused by the following:
- Not getting enough in the diet (vegans and vegetarians)
- Having a gastric disease or surgery that interfers with the absorption of vitamin B12.
- Having pathogenic bacteria or paracites grow and use the vitamin B12 in the GI tract.
- Taking proton pump inhibitors (like Prilosec or Prevacid) or H2 blockers (like Zantac or Tagamet) for long periods of time can keep you from absorbing enough vitamin B12.
Vitamin B12, or cyanocobalamin, is a prescription medication used to increase low vitamin B12 levels. It may be given as an injection, nasal spray, or tablets. Vitamin B12 is essential for the growth and reproduction of certain cells in the body and... More -
Vitamin B12 is an essential water-soluble vitamin that is commonly found in a variety of foods, such as fish, shellfish, meat, eggs, and dairy products. Vitamin B12 is frequently used in combination with other B vitamins in a vitamin B complex formulation. Vitamin B12 plays an important role in supplying essential methyl groups for protein and DNA synthesis. Vitamin B12 is bound to the protein in food. Hydrochloric acid in the stomach releases B12 from protein during digestion. Once released, B12 combines with a substance called intrinsic factor (IF) before it is absorbed into the bloodstream.
The human body stores several years' worth of vitamin B12 in the liver, so nutritional deficiency of this vitamin is extremely rare. However, deficiency can result from being unable to use vitamin B12. Inability to absorb vitamin B12 from the intestinal tract can be caused by pernicious anemia. Vitamin B12 deficiency is common in the elderly. HIV-infected persons and vegetarians who are not taking in proper amounts of B12 are also prone to deficiency.
You should read product labels, and discuss all therapies with a qualified healthcare provider. Natural Standard information does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Helpful? 1 person found this helpfulVitamin B12 is an essential water-soluble vitamin that is commonly found in a variety of foods, such as fish, shellfish, meat, eggs, and dairy products. Vitamin B12 is frequently used in combination with other B vitamins in a vitamin B complex... More -
Healthwise answered:Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) is important in the formation of all cells in the body, especially red blood cells and the covering of nerve cells (myelin). The body needs myelin for nerves to function properly.
Vitamin B12 is found in animal products such as meat, shellfish, milk, cheese, and eggs. Most people who eat meat are not likely to develop a vitamin B12 deficiency. There is normally enough vitamin B12 stored in a person's liver to last a year, even if the person does not eat any foods that contain the vitamin during that time.
Some people have a disease that makes their bodies unable to absorb vitamin B12. These people need either to get an injection of B12 once a month, to take high-dose B12 pills, or to use a nasal spray containing B12.
Strict vegetarians (vegans) who do not eat meat, milk, cheese, or eggs are at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency. They need a vitamin supplement containing vitamin B12.
Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) is important in the formation of all cells in the body, especially red blood cells and the covering of nerve cells (myelin). The body needs myelin for nerves to function properly. Vitamin B12 is found in animal... More -
B12 is one of eight B vitamins, all of which help the body convert food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose), which produces energy. These B vitamins, often referred to as B complex vitamins, also help the body use fats and protein. B complex vitamins are needed for healthy skin, hair, eyes, and liver. They also help the nervous system function properly. All B vitamins are water-soluble, meaning that the body does not store them, and therefore considered a safe non-toxic supplement.
Vitamin B12 is an especially important vitamin for maintaining healthy nerve cells, and it helps in the production of DNA. Vitamin B12 also works closely with vitamin B9, also called folate or folic acid, to help make red blood cells and to help iron work better in the body. Folate and B12 work together to produce S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), a compound involved in immune function and mood.B12 is one of eight B vitamins, all of which help the body convert food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose), which produces energy. These B vitamins, often referred to as B complex vitamins, also help the body use fats and protein. B complex... More
