Vitamin B12 Function
Certain types of archaea and bacteria produce vitamin B12, which is typically present in the soil surrounding grasses that some mammals, such as sheep and cows, consume. The bacteria then multiplies within the animal’s intestinal flora as the animal absorbs it into its muscle tissue and then releases it into the soil, thereby producing more vitamin B12. Thus, vitamin B12 is transferred to fermented plant products and animal products such as meat, eggs, and milk. It functions primarily as a coenzyme, thereby acting as a catalyst in several chemical reactions.
The human body obtains vitamin B12 from food in two distinct phases. The hydrochloric acid residing in the stomach separates the vitamin B12 molecule from the food we eat during the phase 1. During phase 2, a protein known as intrinsic factor binds to vitamin B12, thereby facilitating its absorption within the body. In contrast to the other water-soluble vitamins, cobalamin is one of the largest and most structurally complex. Vitamin B12 molecules have increased physiological activity and contain an uncommon cobalt element in the corrin ring.
Vitamin B12 is an exceedingly potent neural molecule that is crucial for neurotransmitter synthesis. The water-soluble vitamin is also essential for the proper functioning, growth, and development of the nerves and brain, cell metabolism, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell formation. Vitamin B12 is essential for brain health and plays a crucial role in the prevention and treatment of psychotic conditions such as memory loss, dementia, and Alzheimer’s. It also slows the aging process, enhances mental function, boosts mood, and strengthens the immune system.
In addition, vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor and aids in the formation of neurotransmitters, which in turn aids in the regulation of mood fluctuations and the prevention of mental disorders, anxiety, pain, fatigue, depression, and schizophrenia. Consistent vitamin B12 consumption appears to reduce homocysteine levels in the blood. Homocysteine is a protein that damages arterial walls and heightens the risk of cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. It may also reduce the risk of triglyceride levels in the blood, thereby reducing the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes.
Cobalamin is also essential for the treatment of conditions like diabetes, nerve damage in the feet or hands, diabetic neuropathy, swollen tendons, weak bones, insomnia, male infertility, AIDS, asthma, skin infections, allergies, vitiligo, and inflammatory bowel disease. When vitamin B12 enters the body either via supplements or natural foods, it helps in the production of red blood cells and prevent conditions like anemia. Along with folic acid, it is also crucial to take vitamin B12 to avoid the growing fetus from developing chronic congenital deformities of the spine or brain including neural tube defects. Chronic deficiency of vitamin B12 in pregnant women can lead to anencephaly and spina bifida. Hence, the doctors particularly advise women planning for pregnancy to take vitamin B12 to prevent any of these abnormalities in the fetus and sudden miscarriages on prior consultations.
When a person takes adequate amount of vitamin B12, the vitamin helps in the enhancement of bone mineralization, bone health, increase bone density, and aids in the remodeling and natural growth of bones. Another important function of vitamin B12 is that it strengthen the bones, maintain overall body balance, reduce the risk of fracture, and provides the body with a perfect skeletal structure. Vitamin B12 also plays a crucial role in treating a bunch of diseases like cataracts, gingivitis, mouth ulcers, Lyme disease, kidney problems, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), thyroid diseases, and tinnitus.
In addition, vitamin B12 potentially fights against the risk of several types of cancer including uterine, lung, breast, colon, gall bladder, and colorectal cancer. Cobalamin significantly promotes healthy skin, nails, and hair. The vitamin improves the texture of the skin by avoiding the oxidative damage and treats several dermatological ailments. People who take vitamin B12 in adequate amounts get the benefits of rejuvenation and moisture of the skin as well as reduces signs of ageing like fine lines, spots, wrinkles, and dark circles. Vitamin B12 is the one in all beauty vitamin that prevents the discoloration of nails and hair along with the maintenance of natural hair color of both nails and hair.
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