Vitamin B12 - Benefits, Deficiency Symptoms And Food Sources

Alternative name - Cyanocobalamin and cobolamin

Cyanocobalamin better known as vitamin B12 was discovered by scientist Smith and Parker. In 1948 they isolated the cyanocobalamin from the liver.  After couple of years its complex structure was determined. It was found that it was a complex organo-metallic compound with a cobalt atom. This vitamin works with folate in the synthesis of DNA, so deficiency of either leads to megaloblastosis. Vitamin B12 contains cobalt so it is also known as cobalamin. 

Benefits of vitamin B12 

Vitamin B12 is necessary in the formation and maturation of red blood cells. Extrinsic factor of castle is the scientific name of vitamin B12. It is because of its property which combines with the intrinsic factor present in the normal gastric juice and is absorbed. In body, it is needed for the rapid synthesis of DNA during cell division. It plays a very important role in tissues where cells are dividing rapidly, particularly the bone marrow tissues responsible for red blood cell formation. In bone–marrow, vitamin B12 increases the white cell count and the platelets through its action.  

Vitamin B12 cures the pernicious as well as neurological manifestations of pernicious anemia e.g. combined degeneration of the spinal cord. Cobalamin influences the formation of lipid from carbohydrate. Even the disease like hyperglycemia can be corrected after the correct administration of vitamin B12. Cobalamin also maintains the integrity of the epithelial cells especially of the mouth and the stomach.  

Moreover, vitamin B12 does a miracle in normal growth of babies and premature babies as it allows the adequate absorption of metabolic products by influencing the intrinsic factor of Castle formed in the gastric mucous membrane. It maintains the functional integrity of the myelinated fibers of the central nervous system and the peripheral nerves. It avoids the fatty infiltration of the liver by favoring formation of methionine and protecting the liver from injury by certain toxic agents. 

Deficiency signs 

In case the deficiency of vitamin B12 occurs in body, one may develop pernicious or macrocytic or megaloblastic anemia and also causes hyperglycemia. Lack of intrinsic factor or defective absorption due to intestinal disease, infection with microorganisms destroys the intestinal tract. In man, mucosal atrophy and inflammation of tongue, mouth etc., degenerative lesions of the posterior and lateral columns of the spinal cord are some the features of its deficiency. The patient feels pain, tingling and numbness in the extremities and there may be partial paralysis. People who are strict vegetarians or even do not eat any animal products can also develop its lack in their body. 

Daily requirement 

The daily requirement of vitamin B12 is small like a normal adult needs 1mcg; infants or children need about 0.2mcg whereas lactating or pregnant mothers need 1.5mcg. The optimum sources of vitamin B12 are liver, kidney, fish, eggs, milk and cheese. Foods of vegetarian origin are not considered homes for vitamin B12. That’s why, for vegetarians, it is advised that they should eat yeast extracts, vecon vegetable stock, veggie burger mixes, textured vegetable protein, Soya milks, vegetable and sunflower margarines and breakfast cereals.