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Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is one of the 8 substances classified as B vitamins. It is known to be both the largest and the most structurally complex vitamin, possessing a molecular mass of 1355.37 grams. This vitamin is generally referring to a group called cobalamins, a group of vitamer compounds containing cobalt and corrin. These compounds include cyanocobalamin, hydroxocobalamin, adenosylcobalamin, and methylcobalamin. Bacteria are known to be the only ones that are capable of synthesizing cobalamins because they have the necessary enzymes; hence both plants and animals are dependent on their food for its supply. Natural sources of Vitamin B12 are foods that come from animals and animal derivatives such as meat, seafood, eggs, milk, and insects. The daily intake recommended for adults according to the Dietary Reference Intake is 2 to 3 micrograms.

Vitamin B12 is involved in many vital bodily functions for it is a vital part of metabolism in all cells of the body. First, adenosylcobalamin is a cofactor for the function of the enzyme Methylmalonyl Coenzyme A Mutase (MCM). MCM is primarily responsible for transforming Methylmalonyl-CoA, a byproduct of the catabolism of some amino acids and cholesterol, into Succinyl-CoA, a component of the citric acid cycle. Second, methylcobalamin is the cofactor for the function of the enzyme methionine synthase, which is responsible for production of methionine from homocysteine.

Because of its relationship with Vitamin B9, also called folic acid or folate, the presence of Vitamin B12 is crucial with a lot of processes such as DNA and RNA synthesis. Due to this, it is particularly needed during pregnancy as it prevents various congenital defects that may arise during pregnancy. This is so because cells rapidly multiply during the development of the fetus inside the womb, hence the extra demand for DNA and RNA. An error in this process may cause defects to the developing baby.

Other benefits for taking cobalamins include possible reduction of the risk of heart attack or stroke due to hypertension, increase in fertility, conditioning of the nervous system, among others. Together with Vitamin B9, it aids in the production of healthy red blood cells. On the other hand, deficiency of this vitamin not only causes the disruption of these bodily functions, it can also cause serious and potentially irreversible brain and nervous system damage. Symptoms, though nonspecific includes depression, lack of focus, poor memory, and fatigue.

While animals are naturally capable of producing this vitamin, if the bacteria that are capable in producing it are present within the body, deficiency still occurs due to a number of reasons. It is encouraged that all have adequate dosages of this vitamin, but in 3 cases, supplementation is strongly recommended.

First case would be those that have insufficient intake of the vitamin from the diet. This is particularly observed with vegetarians, because food coming from animal sources is the source of this vitamin. Vegetarians need to take supplements because they don’t eat animal-related products, meaning they are missing out on this vitamin in their diet. Second case would be the affliction to pernicious anemia. Pernicious anemia is caused by the destruction of the parietal cells of the stomach, resulting to the inability to absorb cobalamins. This inability is caused by the loss of the so-called intrinsic factor, a glycoprotein produced by the parietal cells that enables the absorption of the vitamin. Third case would be for pregnant women. As the unborn child is developing inside the womb, rapid cell division and development is taking place. If this stage is compromised, congenital abnormalities may result. Taking supplements is strongly encouraged especially for people who fall in this category to obtain all the benefits that this vitamin gives, hence maintaining optimum health and bodily function.

In closing, Vitamin B12 is very important because it aids in overall cell development. It also aids in the production of energy, and has a role in keeping the cardiovascular, nervous, and reproductive systems healthy. It is especially important during the process of pregnancy and growth, as it has a central role to its proper development.

Buy Vitamin B12 (2 boxes)
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