Vitamin B12

Cobalamin

• Water-soluble
• Aid for versus system and Brain
• Cyanide Poisoning
• Production

Vitamin B12 Sources

• Bacteria
• Fungi
• Animal based foods
• Fortified cereals or foods

Digestion

• Mouth
• Stomach
• Small Intestine
• Protein detachment

Absorbtion

• water soluble
• bacteria and fungi
• shellfish, meat, fish, and dairy products
• Vegetarians and vegans

Intrinsic factor

• proper B12 absorption
• Produced in the stomach
• Binds to B12 during digestion
• Less is produced as people age

ATP and Methionine production

• Essential to ATP production
• Helps folate in amino acid metabolism
• Prevents high homocysteine levels
• Prevents folate deficiency

Benefits of Vitamin B12

• Normal functioning of nervous system
• Proper bone cell formation
• Preventing anemia
• Helps with cognitive function

Vitamin B12 deficiency

• Primary vitamin B12 deficiency -Caused by inadequate dietary intake
• Secondary vitamin B12 deficiency -Caused by poor absorption

Pernicious Anemia

• Autoimmune disease
• Causes secondary vitamin B12 deficiency
• Managed by receiving B12 injections

Risk for Vegetarians/Vegans

• Inadequate dietary intake
• At risk of developing many health problems
• Should consider foods fortified with B12
• Should consider B12 supplements

RDA/AI/UL levels of Vitamin B12

• RDA: 2.4 g/day (average adult)
• AI: 0.5-1.8 g/day (children 0-13)
• UL: None determined

Vitamin B12 Supplements

• Consider supplements if experiencing deficiency symptoms
• B12 vitamin by mouth
• B12 injections -Bypass any absorption issues

Conclusion

• Water-soluable vitamin aiding in brain and nervous system functioning
• Can cause autoimmune disease
• RDA: 2.4 Grams per day

Sources