Key Facts about Vitamin B12

About Vitamin B12:

• Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin.
• It has the largest and most complex chemical structure of all the vitamins.
• It is unique among vitamins in that it contains a metal ion, cobalt.
• The human body cannot produce B12 on its own, so it must be obtained through foods high in vitamin B12 or supplements.
• It is naturally found in animal foods such as fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and milk products.
• It is not present in plant foods unless fortified.
• The body stores vitamin B12 in the liver.
• The body can store vitamin B12 for 2 to 5 years, and it can get rid of any excess or unwanted vitamin B12 in the urine.
• Function:
  • It helps create your DNA and red blood cells.
  • Your body also needs B12 for the development of your central nervous system (your brain and spinal cord).
  • It also helps keep your hair, nails, and skin healthy.
• Vitamin B12 Deficiency:
  • Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs when the body does not get or is not able to absorb the amount of the vitamin that the body needs.
  • Deficiency is most common in people who:
    • Are over the age of 50
    • Follow a vegetarian or vegan diet
    • Have had stomach or intestinal surgery, such as weight loss surgery
    • Have digestive system conditions such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease
    • Have pernicious anemia, an autoimmune condition that occurs when your body destroys cells in your stomach that make an intrinsic factor, which is needed to help your body absorb B12
  • Low levels of B12 can cause:
    • Anemia
    • Loss of balance
    • Numbness or tingling in the arms and legs
    • Weakness
    • Dementia due to metabolic causes.