VITAMIN B12 (Cobalamins)

VITAMIN B12 (Cobalamins)Vitamin B12, or cobalamins, are a group of chemical compounds that are similar to each other and are necessary for humans. Vitamin B12 is important for, among other things, the formation of red blood cells. Vitamin B12 is found in animal products, vegetarians are therefore more susceptible to vitamin B12 deficiency. Unlike the other B vitamins, vitamin B12 is stored in the body, and it takes several years to completely empty the body's stores.

What does vitamin B12 do for the body?Vitamin B12 is important for the formation of red blood cells and the genetic material DNA. In addition, the vitamin is important for vitamin B9 (folic acid) to work and for the maintenance of our nervous system. Vitamin B12 is also important for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins in the body.

Sources in the dietVitamin B12 is only found in animal products. The most important sources of the vitamin are milk, meat, fish and eggs.

Recommended daily intake of vitamin B12

• Children under 9 years: 0.5-1.3 µg

• Women and men over 9 years: 2.0 µg

• Pregnant: 2.0 µg

• Lactating: 2.6 µg

µg=micrograms

The recommendations for children under 9 vary with age.

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What happens with a lack of vitamin B12?The most important consequence of vitamin B12 deficiency is anemia. Early symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency can be fatigue, dizziness, muscle weakness, pallor, weight loss and poor appetite. Untreated, vitamin B12 deficiency can be very serious and cause bone marrow failure.

Lack of vitamin B12 is due to insufficient absorption or intake of vitamin B12. Absorption of vitamin B12 is regulated by a protein called intrinsic factor, which is secreted from the stomach lining. People who lack this protein (hereditary disease) are therefore susceptible to vitamin B12 deficiency. Reduced absorption of vitamin B12 can also occur in intestinal diseases, such as Chron's disease, and in the elderly. Vegetarians are at risk of deficiency because vitamin B12 is only found in animal foods.

What happens with high intake of vitamin B12?Although vitamin B12 is stored in the body, the risk of poisoning is small. However, high doses of vitamin B12 can mask a deficiency of other B vitamins.

Advice and guidance on supplementation of vitamin B12Vitamin B12 is available in the form of both multi-vitamin-mineral supplements and in B-complex preparations. In addition, there are prescription vitamin B12 injection preparations for the treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency.

In the online store, you will find an overview of dietary supplements with vitamin B here.