Vitamin B12 Facts
Vitamin B12 – An Overview
Vitamin B12 belongs to the family of the B Complex vitamins. The metal ion called cobalt is an active ingredient of Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is available naturally in many of the animal products we eat. The adult daily requirement for vitamin B12 is only 2 micrograms. However, vitamin B12 helps in some of the most important and vital functions of the body. This vitamin is essential in maintaining a healthy nervous system. If the appropriate amount of vitamin B12 is not consumed through dietary intake, several diseases such as anemia can result. Various other health problems can also be linked to a vitamin B12 deficiency. Some Important Facts About Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is one of the few vitamins that have no toxic effect even in excessive doses. Vitamin B12 is available naturally in many animal products. Vitamin B12 is found naturally in clams, mussels, crabs, salmon, rockfish, liver, beef, chicken, turkey, eggs, milk, and cheese. Vitamin B12 can not be directly synthesized or produced by any organism other than a particular group of bacteria. The absorption of vitamin B12 is a complicated process. Vitamin B12 is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and cannot be absorbed without the presence of intrinsic factor, a protein produced in the stomach.
