Vitamin B12
By: Peter Salazar
Vitamin B12 is the most unique, complex and largest of all vitamins. Its uniqueness is explained with a fact that it has metal ion cobalt inside it. All those compounds that have B12 activity are referred to as cobalamin. The two forms that are used in the human body are Cyanocobalamin and Methylcobalamin. Trucker’s complete nutrition contains 1000mcg of Vitamin B12 as Cyanocobalamin.
Vitamin B12 Absorption
Vitamin B12 can be present within the body only about 2-5mg and most of it in the liver. B12 deficiency usually doesn’t refer to dietary deficiency but it is due to lack of absorption in the intestine. The absorption process of B12 is complex. First it enters the stomach which is then attached to R-protein. Now, the pancreatic enzyme breaks the bond of b12 and R-Protein in intestines and B12 bonds with Intrinsic Factor. It attaches to intrinsic factor so that b12 can be absorbed properly. Further below in the small intestine it attaches to cell receptors. Deficiency of any enzyme, proteins etc involved in the entire process can lead to a deficiency of B12 in the body.
When B12 enters the blood stream it combines with the proteins for transportation and then reach the cells. The enzymes in the cells detach the B12 from the protein and use it in cell functions. Absorption process is quite complex and for that reason deficiency can be removed with good supplementation amounts so that there is enough B12 in the system to be absorbed. Truckers’ complete nutrition supplement delivers good amount of B12 for maintaining the levels of this vital vitamin in the body.
Vitamin B12 Function
B12’s primary function in the human body is the formation of new red blood cells and maintenance of a nervous system. Vitamin B12 is also required by the body for the synthesis of DNA during the division of cells. Its importance is even more elaborated in tissues such as bone marrow where cells are rapidly divided to produce red blood cells. Anemia can occur if a deficiency of B12 occurs because DNA production is disrupted and megaloblasts or abnormal cells are formed.
Vitamin B12 is required for healthy nervous system. B12 acts in the metabolism of fatty acids to produce a fatty sheath insulation containing myelin a complex protein that surrounds the nerves. In case a deficiency of B12 occurs in human body then neurological and nerve degeneration damages can occur which are irreversible.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
The deficiency of vitamin b12 can occur due to mal-absorption of this vitamin and pernicious anemia. The latter is a condition in which the inner cells of the stomach start decaying and the secretion of enzymes necessary for B12 absorption reduces.
Vitamin B12 Benefits
Vitamin B12 is also necessary to regulate the level of homocysteine in the blood which can cause heart risks if present in large amounts. It also helps in protecting the DNA from damaging and is helpful in alleviating the risks of neural tube defects.
Vitamin B12 Drug interactions
Absorption of Vitamin B12 is also disturbed by certain medicines. Some of these medicines such as Proton pump inhibitors, Nitrous oxide as anesthetic etc reduce the absorption of this Vitamin.
To improve the level of Vitamin B12 in human body proper supplementation and foods are necessary. Trucker’s complete nutrition supplement is a very good source of getting B12 in your daily diet.
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