Quest Vitamins LTD, |
B12 (Cobalamin)DESCRIPTIONVitamin B12 contains cobalt and it is hence known as cobalamin. It is another member of the water-soluble B complex, and is sometimes known as "anti-pernicious" factor after its ability to prevent the condition pernicious Anaemia. The absorption of vitamin B12 is dependent on the presence of a certain substance known as "intrinsic factor" in the gastric juices. FUNCTIONSVitamin B12 is needed at a very basic level for the synthesis of DNA and hence for cell production - particularly red blood cells. Vitamin B12 also functions in the metabolism of fatty acids, and in maintaining the myelin sheath around nerves. STABILITYVitamin B12 is freely soluble and therefore lost into cooking water. It is sensitive to strong acid, alkali and light. DEFICIENCYA deficiency of vitamin B12 leads inevitably to the condition pernicious anaemia (a type of megaloblastic anaemia). This is characterised by a fall in the number of red blood cells. Those still produced are irregular in size, but generally too big. Unfortunately there is an unpleasant twist to vitamin B12 deficiency, in that symptoms of pernicious anaemia can be effectively masked if Folic Acid intake is inadequate. This can allow vitamin B12 deficiency to progress silently, showing itself eventually in irreversible neurological damage. REQUIREMENTSUpper safe level for daily supplementation = 500?g Recommended Daily Allowance = 1?g SUPPLEMENTAL USESVegans: Pernicious Anaemia: High levels of vitamin B12 have also been used therapeutically for reasons other than treating pernicious anaemia. Certain mental conditions (especially in the aged) have been seen to be improved with vitamin B12, but there is no hard evidence for this. SAFETYNo toxic effects have been noted with vitamin B12 in man. Injections of as much as 3 mg/day have been used to treat Fatigue and various neurological disorders, whereas 1 mg/day has been used to treat vitamin B12 - responsive errors of metabolism. INTERACTIONS AND CONTRA-INDICATIONSThere are no contra-indications recorded for vitamin B12. FOOD SOURCESFood (?g/100g) REFERENCES1. Alexander D, Ball MJ and Mann J. Nutrient intake and haematological status of vegetarians and age - sex matched omnivores. Eur J Clin Nutrition, 48;8:538-546, 1994. | 
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