Vitamin B12-Cyanocobalamin

Cyanocobalamin is a vitamin, which is only produced by fungi and bacteria. An appreciable quantity of it is also produced by the Human intestinal bacteria. Even a quantity as small as one-millionth part of a gram is effective in pernicious anaemia (type of anaemia). Malabsorption from the intestine, and not malnutrition, is the cause of its deficiency in our body. Sunlight, alcohol, oestrogen (female hormone) sleeping pills destroys this vitamin. Gastric juices are required in sufficient quantities for its absorption by the intestine. Food rich in protein and calcium also help in this process.

The liver stores the excess amount, which is not immediately needed by our body, of Cyanocobalamin. The storage capacity is of relatively large amounts. Our body excretes up to 30mcg of vitamin B12 in urine everyday and on a larger dose of 100mcg approximately 90% is excreted. This vitamin is secreted in breast milk also for feeding babies.

• Essential for the production and regeneration of red blood cells.
• Helps in the proper functioning of the central nervous system.
• Improves concentration and memory.
• Helps in balancing and relieving irritability.
• Helps in proper utilization of fats, carbohydrates and proteins for development of the body.
• Promotes growth in children and increases appetite.
• Involved in many vital metabolic and enzymatic processes like the metabolism of folic acid.

A sufficient quantity of vitamin B12 and folic acid also helps in developing the immune cells of the bone marrow immune cells into active disease-fighters.

Vitamin B12 is mostly found in foods of animal origin, which makes it so unique. Vegetarians should increase their intake of milk or take vitamin B12 a tablet form as a supplement.

Values per 100g edible portions