One of the eight B vitamins, vitamin B-12, also known as cobalamin or cyanocobalamin, is an essential water-soluble vitamin. Vitamin B-12 is involved in a number of important body processes. Unlike the other water-soluble vitamins wherein the leftover amounts leave the body through the urine, the body stores vitamin B-12 in the liver for years.
Body Functions
Vitamin B-12 is an important vitamin for maintaining healthy brain cells; it also aids in the production of DNA and RNA, fatty acid synthesis and energy production. Vitamin B-12 also works closely with vitamin B-9, or folate, to regulate the formation of red blood cells and help iron function better in the body. Vitamin B-12 with vitamins B-6 and B-9 work together to control blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine; high levels of this amino acid are associated with heart disease.
Food Sources
Vitamin B-12 is found in foods that come from animals. Good dietary sources include fish, shellfish, milk and other dairy products, liver and kidney of meats, eggs, beef, and pork. Certain foods are also fortified with vitamin B-12 including breakfast cereals, soy products, energy bars and nutritional yeast.
Uses
Pernicious anemia occurs when stomach cells cannot make intrinsic factor, which is necessary for B-12 absorption. Symptoms include weakness, diarrhea, weight loss, fever, numbness, or tingling sensation in the extremities, loss of balance, confusion, memory loss, and moodiness. To treat pernicious anemia, doctors prescribe high doses of vitamin B-12, either orally or intravenously.
Supplements
Vitamin B-12 is available as an individual supplement, in B complex vitamin formulations or in multivitamins. It is available over-the-counter in chewable, liquid drops, soft gels, lozenges, and intranasal forms; it is available intravenously for prescription patients.
Recommendations
According to Drugs.com, for male and female older than age 14, the recommended daily intake for vitamin B-12 is 2.4 micrograms. If you are considering B-12 supplements, consult a healthy care professional for appropriate dosage and because B-12 can cause side effects and interactions with other medications.
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