Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that cannot be produced by the human body. It plays important roles in forming red blood cells and maintaining the health of the brain and nervous system. Sources of vitamin B12 include shellfish, fish, meat, eggs, dairy, and fortified foods. A deficiency can result in megaloblastic anemia and problems with growth, nerves, and memory.

1. RM.NIKZAAD
(Readings BSc.in Agricultural Resource Management and Technology),
Faculty of Agriculture,
University of Ruhuna - Sri Lanka

2. Definition of Vitamins
• Any a group of organic compounds
which are essential for normal
growth and nutrition and are
required in small quantities in the
diet; because they cannot be
synthesized by the body.

3. B - Complex
• Vitamin B1
• Vitamin B2
• Vitamin B3
• Vitamin B5
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin B7 (Biotin)
• Vitamin B9 (Folic acid)
• Vitamin B12

4. Vitamin B12
• It is one of eight B vitamins
• Generic Name is Cobalamin
• Cayanocobalamin, Methylcobalamin,
Hydroxycobalamin… are some other
Chemical Names of the Vit.B12

5. Structure vs. It’s Chemical Name
• Largest and most Structurally complicated
• It contains the biochemically rare element
cobalt (chemical symbol Co)
• And first natural product consisting Cobalt.
• Because of the structure of Vit.B12; the
chemical name also will change…..

6. Basic Structure of Vit.B12

7. Cyanocobalamin
-CN group

8. Methylcobalamin
-CH3 group

9. Hydroxycobalamin
-OH group

10. 5’-deoxyadenosylcobalamin

11. Sources of Vitamin B12
Shellfish
Fish (Mackerel)
Crab
Sea Food:-
*Shellfish
*Fish
*Crab

12. Liver(Beef)
Red meat

13. Eggs
Milk (Low Fat)

14. For Vegetarians:
*Cereal
*Soy Products
*Fortified Foods and etc…

15. Characteristics of Vitamin B12
• Vitamin B12 is very stable at high
temperatures.
• pH is ranged from 4.5 to 5.0 while the
strong acidic and highly alkaline
environment loses its vitamin activity.

16. Vit.B12 Characters cont.…
• This vitamin is rapidly degraded in the
light, and therefore it is necessary to
keep it in the dark.
• Vitamin B12 is well soluble in water,
ethanol and methanol & insoluble in
acetone, chloroform, ether.

17. Vit.B12 Characters cont.…
• Odorless & Tasteless.
• No fungi, plants, or animals (including
humans) are capable of producing
vitamin B12. Only bacteria and archaea
have the enzymes needed for its
synthesis.

18. Importance of Vitamin B12
• For the formation of red blood Cells.
• For the good health of brain cells and the
Nervous system, together with Vitamin C &
Methionine.
• To defend against Stress.
• To avoid discouragements & dismay.

19. Cont.
• To get good functioning of the mind.
• For the good health of the cells of the bones.
• For proper growth.
• For cell renewal, along with folic acid and
other nutrients.

20. Cont.
• For the absorption of Vitamin A and Iron.
• Reduce the levels of hemocystenin in the
blood.
• Along with folic acid, pantothenic acid, vitamin
C and other nutrients, it is involved in the
metabolism of Fats and Carbohydrates.

21. Deficiency of Vit.B12
Deficiency due to:-
1. The decrease in intrinsic factor or
gastric juices.
-something that usually occurs
from the age of 50; this lead to
deficiency of this vitamin.
-Pernicious anemia

22. 2. Operation for obesity
-deficit can also occur if there are
operation for obesity in which the
stomach is partially resected(gastric
sleeve sugary or bypass)
3. Quite commonly in the elderly.
-affecting 40% of people over 80 years
and 25% of those over 60 years.

23. Deficiency Symptoms of Vit.B12
• Megaloblastic Anemia
• Growth problem
• Nervous problem
• Tendency suffer from infections
• Problem of memory and learning
• Soreness of the mouth or tongue

24. Cont.
• Tiredness, despondency, discouragements,
weight loss, loss of appetite
• Greenish skin tone
• Suspected degenerative diseases, such as
Multiple sclerosis, Osteoporosis.
• Suspicion of mental problems, such as
Schizophrenia

25. References
• http://www.botanical-
online.com/english/vitamin-b12-
characteristics.htm
• http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed
/supplement/vitamin-b12-cobalamin
• https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12
-HealthProfessional/