Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is essential for several critical functions in the body:
- It plays a vital role in red blood cell formation, helping to prevent anemia by supporting the production and maturation of healthy red blood cells
- It is crucial for DNA synthesis and repair, which is necessary for cell metabolism and growth
- Vitamin B12 supports proper nerve function and the maintenance of the nervous system, including the synthesis of myelin, the protective sheath around nerves
- It is involved in fatty acid and amino acid metabolism, acting as a coenzyme in enzymatic reactions
- Clinically, vitamin B12 is used to treat vitamin B12 deficiency, cyanide poisoning (using hydroxocobalamin), and elevated homocysteine levels in the blood, which are linked to cardiovascular risks
- It may help reduce symptoms of canker sores and nerve pain caused by shingles, though evidence for many other uses is limited
Vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal-derived foods such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy products, and is also available as supplements or injections for those with deficiency or increased needs
. In summary, vitamin B12 is essential for blood health, nervous system function, DNA production, and metabolic processes, with therapeutic uses primarily focused on deficiency and specific poisoning cases
