2. A vitamin is an organic compound and a vital nutrient that an organism requires in limited
amounts.
At present thirteen vitamins are universally recognized, they are as follows :
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5. The top 5 health benefits of vitamin B 12 are:
It is needed to convert carbohydrates into glucose in the body, thus leading to energy production and a decrease in fatigue and lethargy in the
body.
It helps in healthy regulation of the nervous system, reducing depression, stress, and brain shrinkage.
It helps maintain a healthy digestive system. Vitamin B12 also protects against heart disease by curbing and improving unhealthy cholesterol
levels, protecting against stroke, and high blood pressure.
It is essential for healthy skin, hair, and nails. It helps in cell reproduction and constant renewal of the skin.
Vitamin B 12 helps protect against cancers including breast, colon, lung, and prostate cancer.
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that keeps your nerves and red blood cells healthy. It is responsible for the smooth functioning of several
critical body processes. It is possible for the body to develop a vitamin B12 deficiency. This deficiency is usually reported with symptoms of
fatigue.
Strict vegetarians, heavy drinkers and smokers, pregnant and breast-feeding women, and the elderly usually require vitamin B12 supplements.
Sometimes our body, mainly our digestive system, is not able to absorb this vitamin well. This can happen when a person has pernicious
anaemia, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, bacteria growth in the small intestine, or a parasite. People suffering from these conditions may need
vitamin B12 supplements as well.
6.
7. Vitamin B12 is used to treat vitamin B12
deficiency, cyanide poisoning, and hereditary
deficiency of trans-cobalamin II. It is given as
part of the Schilling test for detecting
pernicious anaemia.
For cyanide poisoning, a large amount of
hydroxocobalamin may be given
intravenously and sometimes in combination
with sodium thiosulfate.
The mechanism of action is straightforward:
the hydroxycobalamin hydroxide ligand is
displaced by the toxic cyanide ion, and the
resulting harmless B12 complex is excreted in
urine.
In the United States, the Food and Drug
Administration approved (in 2006) the use of
hydroxocobalamin for acute treatment of
cyanide poisoning.
High vitamin B12 level in elderly individuals
may protect against brain atrophy or
shrinkage associated with Alzheimer's disease
and impaired cognitive function.
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30. The dietary reference intake for an adult ranges from 2 to 3 µg
per day (US), and 1.5 µg per day (UK). But according to a new
study, the DRI should be 4 to 7 µg per day.
The Centre for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition recommends
6 µg per day, based on a caloric intake of 2,000 calories, for
adults and children four or more years of age.
Vitamin B12 is believed to be safe when used orally in amounts
that do not exceed the recommended dietary allowance (RDA).
There have been studies that showed no adverse consequences
of doses above the RDA.
The RDA for vitamin B12 in pregnant women is 2.6 µg per day
and 2.8 µg during lactation periods.There is insufficient reliable
information available about the safety of consuming greater
amounts of vitamin B12 during pregnancy.[citation needed]
The Institute of Medicine states that because 10 to 30% of
older people may be unable to absorb naturally occurring
vitamin B12 in foods, it is advisable for those 51 years old and
older to consume B12-fortified foods or B12 supplements to
meet the recommended intake.
