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Cobalamin or vitamin B12 is an integral part of the vitamin b complex group as it's needed for many prominent bodily functions like cell division and the red blood cells production. The vitamin is also the largest and most complex vitamin known to man. The vitamin's name and the reddish color are derived from the metal ion Cobalt which is found in the vitamin.

Essentially, vitamin B12 is tasked with maintaining the integrity of the myelin sheath, the crucial outer layers that are found in your nerves connection. These layers help protect your nervous system and also regulate the electrical signals between them. Any damage to the sheath can lead to nerve degeneration and disorders.

This complex vitamin also helps metabolize fat and carbohydrates in your body, just like the other b vitamins. It also acts as important coenzymes for complex metabolisms in nerve cells, bone marrow and also the gastrointestinal tract. Methylcobalamin, the active form of the vitamin works together with folic acid to help recycle and reduce homocysteine, a type of amino acid in which excessive amounts are linked to coronary heart diseases and also stroke.

Vitamin B12 is also needed for producing haemoglobin, a vital oxygen-carrying component of red blood cells. Insufficient levels can lead to defective red blood cells.

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Main functions of Cobalamin

• Promotes growth
• Maintains a healthy nervous system
• Increases energy
• Creates healthy red blood cells
• Supports cardiovascular health

Vitamin B12 seems to be involved in the production of certain brain chemicals known as serotonin and dopamine which can help control moods and sleep patterns.

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Hair Benefits

Your hair follicles need oxygen to thrive. Without sufficient supply, the hair follicle will not be able to grow. Therefore, oxygen-rich red blood cells are required to keep them functioning effectively. Consistent levels of the vitamin in your body improve the production of haemoglobin thus, improving oxygen supply to the hair follicles.

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Deficiency Symptoms

• Poor hair condition
• Eczema
• Memory problems
• Fatigue
• Tender and sore muscles
• Anxiety and mood disorders

It's not common for young healthy adults to face with vitamin B12 deficiency as it's more prominent with older people with a weaker ability to absorb the vitamin. Cobalamin is mainly absorbed in the stomach so people with gastric problems, gastric atrophy, low levels of intrinsic factor and alcoholics are at a higher risk of vitamin b12 deficiency.

Pernicious anaemia, an autoimmune diseases where you immune system mistakenly attacks the parietal cells located in the stomach. These cells are needed for the formation of a glycoprotein known as intrinsic factor which is needed for vitamin B12 absorption. People with this condition eventually develop a blood defect known as pernicious anaemia, a type of megaloblastic anaemia.

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Essential Information

Recommended Daily Allowance for Adults

1mcg

Main Food Sources Liver Beef Pork White fish Eggs

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Precautions

Vitamin B12 is not considered to be toxic but there are rare reports of allergic reactions towards the injection method of the vitamin.

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