Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12

 

Vitamin B12 is an essential water-soluble vitamin for the human body, mainly obtained from animal-based foods, and is crucial for maintaining the health of the blood and nervous system.

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) – Chemical formula: C₆₃H₈₈CoN₁₄O₁₄P. It is an essential water-soluble B-complex vitamin and the only vitamin containing a metal element (cobalt). It appears as a dark red crystalline powder, odorless with a slightly bitter taste. The characteristic red color, derived from the cobalt ion, is an important identifier of Vitamin B12.

 

 Main physiological functions

Maintain blood health: Assists in the production of red blood cells and can prevent 'megaloblastic anemia' caused by the inability of red blood cells to divide normally, avoiding symptoms such as fatigue and weakness.

Maintain the nervous system: Helps maintain the health of nerve cells and participates in the synthesis of the nervous sheath. Severe deficiency may damage nerves, causing tingling or loss of sensation in the hands and feet, muscle weakness, and even difficulty walking and confusion.

Support DNA synthesis: An essential coenzyme in the process of cell division and the synthesis of genetic material DNA.

Support energy metabolism: Plays a role in converting food into usable energy.

Nutritional Fortification

• Plant-Based Food Alternatives: This is currently the most widespread application. Since natural B12 is almost exclusively found in animal-based foods, it is necessary to mandate or widely fortify vitamin B12 in soy milk, oat milk, almond milk, plant-based meat (vegetarian meat), vegan cheese, and nutritional yeast to ensure that vegetarians and vegans do not experience deficiencies.
• Cereals and Breakfast Foods: Added to breakfast cereals, energy bars, flour (fortified in some countries), and meal replacement powders, as part of B vitamin complex fortification, making it convenient for regular consumers to intake on a daily basis.
• Infant and Special Foods: Precisely added to infant formula, follow-on formula for older infants, and foods for special medical purposes, to meet strict statutory nutrition labeling requirements.