The Importance Of B-Group Vitamins

Vitamin B12-Cyanocobalamin More B-group Vitamins

Vitamin B12 or Cyanocobalamin, another member of the B complex group is produced only by fungi and bacteria.Human intestinal bacteria also produced appreciable quantities of it.It was effective in a type of anaemia called pernicious anaemia,in as small a quantity as one-millionth part of a gram.Its deficiency in the body occurred usually due to malabsorption from the intestine rather than from malnutrition.This vitamin in destroyed by factors like sunlight,alcohol,oestrogen-the female hormone,and sleeping pills.The presence of sufficient quantities of gastric juice is essential to facilitate its absorptionin the intestine.Calcium and protein-rich food greatly help the absorption of this vitamin from the intestines.

Functions in the Body:The amount of vitamin B12 which is not immediately needed by the body is stored in the liver,which is capable of storing relatively large amounts of this nutrient.About 30mcg of vitamin B12 are excreted in the normal urine daily.When injected in a large dose upto 100mcg, upto 90% of the quantity is excreted.This vitamin is also secreted in breast milk for the use of babies.Like vitamin B6,vitamin B12 is essential for the production and regeneration of red blood cells.It is also needed for the proper functioning of the central nervous system.It improves concentration,memory, and balance and relieves irritability.Vitamin B12 is necessary for the proper utilisation of fats, carbohydrates and proteins for body building.It promotes growth and increases appetite in children.This vitamin is also involved in many vital metabolic and enzymatic processes,including the metabolism of folic acid.If the immune cells made in the bone marrow are to mature into active disease-fighters,a sufficient quatity of vitamin B12 and folic acid are necessary.

Sources:Vitamin B12 is unique amongst vitamins in that it is mostly found in foods of animal origin.Vegetarians are therefore advised to increase their intake of milk or take vitamin B12 a tablet form as a supplement.