How important is vitamin B12?

In 1948, Rickes isolated from pig liver a red crystalline substance named vitamin B12, then four Nobel prizes were awarded for studies related to vitamin B12.

Today, it is known that vitamin B12 is only found in animals and fermented foods. Healthy intestinal bacteria also produce a good amount of vitamin B12 for the body. Adult vitamin B12 requirement is 2mcg / day.

Vitamin B12 pharmaceuticals have two forms: cyanocobalamin and hydroxocobalamin have the same effect of hematopoiesis (hydroxocobalamin is better absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and has affinity for larger tissues cyanocobalamin). In the body these cobalamin form the active coenzyme of 5-deoxyadenosylcobalamin and methylcobalamin.

Vitamin B12 is often used to treat neuropathy.(Illustration).

Vitamin B12 is necessary for all tissues with a strong growth rate of cells (hematopoietic tissue, small intestine, uterus .). Vitamin B12 creates DNA in the cell's genetic material, maintains a healthy condition of nerve cells and red blood cells, plays a key role in developing red blood cells. Vitamin B12 is often used to treat neuropathic diseases (such as sciatica, nerves in the neck, arms .), blood diseases such as pernicious anemia or anemia after gastrectomy . .

When the body lacks vitamin B12

When insufficient vitamin B12 levels cause neuronal myelin destruction, impaired function of some other essential forms of folic acid in the cell, causing hematological abnormalities in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency. Therefore, women of childbearing age need to ensure adequate vitamin B12 before and during pregnancy (the concentration of vitamin B12 in pregnant women over 300ng / l in early pregnancy can protect the fetus to avoid mental defects. sutra. Pregnant women with low levels of vitamin B12 will give birth to fussy babies. Many brands contain vitamins and minerals needed for pregnant women like vitamin B12, folic acid (also called B9), iron . very handy. Elderly people lack of vitamin B12 are prone to brain atrophy and memory impairment, depression.

Vitamin B12 is often found in pig liver, eggs, beef, salmon .

Foods rich in vitamin B12

Foods with vitamin B12 are: sheep liver 54mcg%, 23mcg pig liver, cow's milk 0.2 - 0.6mcg%, egg 6mcg / fruit, egg yolk 1.2mcg%; 2-8mcg beef, 0.1 - 5mgg pork, 3mcg chicken meat, 5.4mcg salmon. Shellfish, clams, snails, mussels: 84mcg%. Soy sauce, colander, yogurt, sauerkraut, melon prices (vitamin B12 is quite stable at cooking temperatures at 100 ^o C).

Note when using

According to Dr. Maria Carillio, vitamin B12 works to reduce homocysteine ​​levels, which are very beneficial for cardiovascular health and prevent Alzheimer's disease (confusion and old age).

Vitamin B12 is absorbed in food and drugs, after eating is absorbed in the small intestine (ileum) thanks to gastromucoprotein of the gastric mucosa cells secreted. Therefore, patients with peptic ulcers do not take oral B12 but have to inject. Absorption rate is about 1% regardless of dose.

When intramuscular or deep subcutaneous injection, after 1 hour of vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) reaches the peak concentration in plasma and then stored in liver tissue to distribute to other tissues.

Vitamin B12 allows the body to burn more calories, reducing fat reserves.(Illustration).

People at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency: those who are vegetarians, inflammation, atrophy of the stomach lining, removal of the entire stomach, removal of the end of the small intestine.

Vitamin B12 is absolutely not used in cases of : malignant neoplasms (at risk of progressive malignancy), a history of allergy to cobalamin, allergic people (asthma, eczema), people with egg disease fish.

Do not take vitamin B12 with metformin because metformin reduces 19% of vitamin B12 in the blood.

Vitamin B12 allows the body to burn more calories, reduce fat reserves; therefore, some people inject vitamin B12 to lose weight for obese people but must strictly follow the conditions such as: vegetarian, daily weight loss training. Otherwise, there are many dangers such as: severe coughing, wheezing, tachycardia, palpitations, chest pain.

Common side effects when taking vitamin B12: nausea, stomach discomfort, joint pain, headache, body edema.