Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

Interesting facts about vitamin B12 (cobalamin):

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is a water-soluble vitamin, which means that it is easily absorbed in the body (as most of the body is made of water and so are most of the foods eaten), but some of it may be lost in cooking.
Vitamin B12 assists in making healthy red blood cells
One of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) most important roles is to make healthy red blood cells, that function properly and are of correct and healthy structure and form. Without enough vitamin B12 (cobalamin), either in the diet or through that which is made in the small intestine by intrinsic factor, you would get vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia.
Vitamin B12 is absorbed in the small intestines by intrinsic factor
Intrinsic factor (IF) is a protein made in the stomach to help absorb vitamin B12 (cobalamin) in the small intestines.

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) requires folic acid (folate) to work effectively

Vitamin B12 is stored in the liver
Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) is the only B vitamin the body actually stores, mostly in the liver
Vitamin B12 requires folic acid (folate) to work effectively
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) requires folic acid (folate) to work effectively and if folic acid (folate) is in short supply this impacts the ability of Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) to function effectively. The two vitamins work in conjunction with one another, they assist each other's actions and effectiveness.
Vitamin B12 works with the other B vitamins and calcium
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) works very well when calcium as well as the other B vitamins (vitamin B1 (thiamin), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)) are in adequate supply.

References

Carmel R. Cobalamin, the stomach and aging. Am J Clin Nutr. 1997;66(4):750-759
Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Pantothenic acid. Dietary Reference Intakes: Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B-6, Vitamin B-12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press; 1998:357-373
Griffith HW. Minerals, Supplements and Vitamins - The Essential Guide. 2000 Fisher Books, USA
Lee BJ, et al. Folic acid and vitamin B12 are more effective than vitamin B6 in lowering fasting plasma homocysteine concentration in patients with coronary artery disease. EJCN 2004, Vol58 (3); 481-487
Lieberman S, Bruning N. The Real Vitamin and Mineral Book - Using Supplements for Optimal Health. 3rd Edition. Avery Publishing, New York, 2003
Osiecki, Henry, The Nutrient Bible 2002, BioConcepts Publishing
Wang HX. Vitamin B12 and folate in relation to the development of Alzheimer's disease. Neurology. 2001;56:1188-1194

24 June 2013