What is the function of vitamin B12?
What is the function of vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps keep your body’s blood and nerve cells healthy and helps make DNA, the genetic material in all of your cells. Vitamin B12 also helps prevent megaloblastic anemia, a blood condition that makes people tired and weak.
Who does vitamin B12 help the most?
Vitamin B12 has many roles in your body. It supports the normal function of your nerve cells and is needed for red blood cell formation and DNA synthesis. For most adults, the recommended daily intake (RDI) is 2.4 mcg, though it’s higher for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding ( 1 ).
Which element is essential for the vitamin B12 structure?
1.9 Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, comprises a number of forms including cyano-, methyl-, deoxyadenosyl- (coenzyme B12), and hydroxy-cobalamin. Note that the mineral cobalt is an essential part of the B12.
What is the metallic element essential in the structure and function of vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is the most chemically complex of all the vitamins. The structure of B12 is based on a corrin ring, which is similar to the porphyrin ring found in heme. The central metal ion is cobalt.
What foods give you B12?
Good sources of vitamin B12
- meat.
- fish.
- milk.
- cheese.
- eggs.
- some fortified breakfast cereals.
Why is vitamin B12 necessary for good health?
Why is vitamin B12 necessary for good health? Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system, normal metabolism, the formation of red blood cells and the synthesis of the genetic materials RNA and DNA.
How does vitamin B12 help the central nervous system?
Vitamin B12 benefits the central nervous system in many important ways: It helps maintain the health of nerve cells — including those needed for neurotransmitter signaling — and helps form the protective covering of nerves, called the cell’s myelin sheath. This means that when vitamin B12 levels are low, almost every cognitive function can suffer.
What foods are good sources of vitamin B 12?
Vitamin B-12 (cobalamin) plays an essential role in red blood cell formation, cell metabolism, nerve function and the production of DNA, the molecules inside cells that carry genetic information. Food sources of vitamin B-12 include poultry, meat, fish and dairy products.
What are the benefits of vitamin B12 for seniors?
Benefits of Vitamin B12 for Seniors. It’s no secret that getting your vitamins and nutrients is key to staying healthy. Vitamin B12 is particularly important because it plays a role in brain function, metabolism, nerve cells, and blood health. Vitamin B12 helps to metabolize an amino acid known as homocysteine.
Will too much B12 hurt you?
When you take too much vitamin B complex or particularly excess of vitamin B12, it can cause shortness of breath, pain and numbness in limbs and increase risk of cardiac problems. In some cases, the patient develops an allergy towards all the members of vitamin B complex group.
What are the side effects of too much vitamin B?
Too Much Vitamin B Side Effects. Taking too much vitamin B is not without side effects and risks of health problems. For instance, some symptoms from taking too much vitamin B complex may include high blood sugar, blurry vision, numbness, nausea and vomiting, skin lesions, and liver problems.
What happens when B12 is too high?
It is, however, important to note that too much B12 may cause issues in certain cases. In some people, high levels of B12 may cause gastrointestinal problems such as bloating and diarrhea. And if you have high blood pressure or poor cardiovascular health, having too much B12 may further complicate these issues.
What are the signs of lack of B12?
The signs of vitamin B12 deficiency include exhaustion, rapid heartbeat, brain fog, and other symptoms, says Maggie Moon, RD, a Los Angeles–based nutritionist and owner of Everyday Healthy Eating.