Take advantage of the power of vitamin B12 as cyanocobalamine – Learn how this essential nutrient helps in energy production and health in general.

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in various body functions. A common form of this vitamin is cyanocobalamine. Cyanocobalamine is a synthetic form of vitamin B12 widely used in enriched supplements and foods. It becomes active forms of vitamin B12 in the organism, such as methylcobalamine and adenosilcobalamine, which are necessary for the proper functioning of the enzymes involved in the production of energy, the synthesis of DNA and the maintenance of nerve cells.

Important information about cyanocobalamine:

• Cyanocobalamine has a stable structure that allows easy storage and transport, which makes it a popular option in supplements and pharmaceutical prepared.
• It is usually used to treat the lack of vitamin B12, which may be due to inadequate food intake, certain medical conditions or intestinal absorption problems.
• Among people with risk of vitamin B12 are strict vegetarians, older adults and people with certain gastrointestinal disorders.

The benefits of cyanocobalamine consumption are included:

1. Promoting the production of healthy red blood cells: vitamin B12 is essential for DNA synthesis, which is crucial for the production of red blood cells. Proper levels of cyanocobalamine guarantee the correct formation and functioning of red blood cells, preventing diseases such as megaloblastic anemia.
2. It favors the functioning of the nervous system: cyanocobalamine intervenes in the maintenance of nerve cells and in myelin production, a protective layer around the nerves. A sufficient vitamin B12 intake helps prevent nerve lesions and favors the optimal functioning of the nervous system.
3. Increased energy levels: Vitamin B12 plays a key role in conversion of energy into energy. Proper levels of cyanocobalamine help break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats, providing the body with the fuel it needs for daily activities.

Vitamin B12: An Essential Nutrient for the Body

Red blood cell production: Vitamin B12 is necessary for the production of red blood cells in the body. The red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the different tissues and organs. Without an adequate contribution of vitamin B12, the organism cannot produce enough red blood cells, which causes a disease called megaloblastic anemia. This condition can cause fatigue, weakness and difficulty breathing.

Cobalamin is necessary for the formation and maturation of red blood cells. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anemia, characterized by the production of large and immature red blood cells.

Nervous system function: Vitamin B12 is crucial to keep the nervous system healthy. It plays a vital role in myelin synthesis, a protective sheath that surrounds and isolates nerve fibers. Myelin allows an effective transmission of nerve impulses. Without a sufficient amount of vitamin B12, myelin sheath can be damaged, which causes nerve dysfunctions and neurological symptoms.

1. The lack of vitamin B12 can cause neurological symptoms such as numbness and tingling in hands and feet, balance problems and difficulty walking.
2. Cobalamin supplementation can help improve and prevent greater damage to the nervous system.

DNA synthesis: vitamin B12 is essential for DNA synthesis, the process by which genetic material is replicated and repaired. It is necessary to convert folic acid into its active form, which is essential for DNA production. Without a sufficient amount of vitamin B12, the body’s capacity to create new DNA is compromised, which affects various processes such as cell division and growth.

The Basics of Vitamin B12

There are four forms of vitamin B12 that are usually found in enriched supplements and foods: cyanocobalamine, hydroxocobalamine, methylcobalamine and adenosylcobalamine. Among them, cyanocobalamine is the most stable and used form. The body makes it the active forms of vitamin B12. Although cyanocobalamine contains a small amount of cyanide, which the body detoxifies naturally, is considered safe for use in supplements and its benefits have been widely studied.

Important note: cyanocobalamine, the synthetic form of vitamin B12, is usually used in dietary supplements and enriched foods due to its stability and efficiency. The organism absorbs it well and makes it the active forms of vitamin B12. Although there are other forms of vitamin B12, cyanocobalamine remains the most used and investigated.

Here are some key data on vitamin B12:

• Vitamin B12 is mainly found in foods of animal origin such as meat, fish, dairy products and eggs.
• Vegans and vegan are at a greater risk of suffering a lack of vitamin B12, since plant foods do not contain it naturally.
• The lack of vitamin B12 can cause anemia, neurological disorders, fatigue and deterioration of cognitive function.

The Health Benefits of Vitamin B12

1. Improves energy levels: Vitamin B12 intervenes in the production of red blood cells, which are responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. An adequate intake of this vitamin can prevent anemia and increase energy levels. It also contributes to converting food into energy, so it is an essential nutrient to maintain general vitality.

2. Improvement of brain health: Vitamin B12 plays a key role in the maintenance of health and the functioning of the nervous system, including the brain. It intervenes in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, which are essential for the correct brain communication. The appropriate levels of vitamin B12 have been related to the improvement of memory, cognition and the general health of the brain.

It is important to note that vitamin B12 deficiency is quite common, especially among vegetarians, vegans and older adults. A lack of this vitamin can cause various health problems and symptoms, such as fatigue, weakness, tingling in hands and feet, memory problems and even depression. Therefore, it is essential to guarantee an adequate intake of vitamin B12 through diet or supplements.

• Vitamin B12 can help maintain a healthy cardiovascular system reducing homocysteine levels, an amino acid related to heart disease.
• It favors a healthy pregnancy by contributing to the development of the brain and the baby’s nervous system.
• Vitamin B12 is essential for DNA production and plays a vital role in cell division and growth.

1. Food sources rich in vitamin B12
• Veal liver
• Clams
• Tuna
• Eggs
• Yoghurt
2. Recommended daily intake of vitamin B12 for adults:
• 2. 4 micrograms (MCG)
• Higher quantities may be necessary for people with certain health conditions or specific dietary restrictions.

Foods rich in vitamin B12

The lack of vitamin B12 can cause a series of health problems and symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, memory loss and difficulty concentrating. As the body cannot produce vitamin B12 by itself, it is essential to obtain it from external sources, mainly from food.

Foods high in vitamin B12:

• Ternera Liver: A ration of 100 grams of veal liver can provide more than 1000% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin B12.
• Seafood: Seafood such as clams, mussels and oysters are excellent sources of vitamin B12. Only 85 grams of cooked clams can provide more than 1600% of the recommended daily intake.
• Salmon: This fatty fish not only provides omega-3 fatty acids, but it is also a good source of vitamin B12. A ration of 100 grams of cooked salmon contains about 80% of the recommended daily intake.

Tip: enriched breakfast cereals and nutritional yeast are also good sources of vitamin B12 for vegans and vegans that do not consume animal products.

It is important to keep in mind that the absorption capacity of vitamin B12 decreases with age, so it is even more crucial to consume foods rich in vitamin B12 as part of a balanced diet. Including a variety of foods rich in vitamin B12 will help you meet your daily needs and maintain optimal health.

Note: Consult a healthcare professional or a dietitian entitled to determine your specific dietary needs and obtain personalized orientation.

Who is at Risk of Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

Prolonged use of certain medications: some medications can interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12 in the body. For example, proton pump inhibitors (IBP), usually used to treat acid reflux and stomach ulcers, reduce the production of stomach acid. This decrease in stomach acidity can hinder the absorption of vitamin B12 of food. Similarly, the prolonged use of certain diabetes medications, such as metformin, has been associated with a decrease in vitamin B12 levels. Therefore, people who take these medications must monitor their vitamin B12 state and consider the possibility of taking supplements if necessary.

Vegetarians and vegan: a significant risk group of vitamin B12 deficiency includes people who follow vegetarian or vegan diets. Vitamin B12 is mainly found in foods of animal origin such as meat, dairy products and eggs. By excluding these sources from their diet, vegans and vegetarians may not be consuming adequate amounts of vitamin B12. To prevent their deficiency, they must consider the incorporation of enriched foods or take B12 supplements.

1. Older people: As people age, they decrease their ability to absorb food B12. This may be due to a lower production of stomach acid or to the decrease in the intrinsic factor, a protein necessary for the absorption of B12. In addition, some older people may have limited diets or conditions that affect their ability to follow a varied and balanced diet. Therefore, in this age group it may be necessary to perform periodic reviews and administer B12 supplements.
2. People with gastrointestinal disorders: certain gastrointestinal disorders can affect the absorption of vitamin B12. A conditions such as Crohn’s disease, gastric bypass celiacism and surgery can affect the body’s ability to absorb nutrients, including vitamin B12. It is crucial that people with these disorders undergo close monitoring and guarantee an adequate intake of vitamin B12 through intramuscular supplements or injections.
3. People with pernicious anemia: pernicious anemia is an autoimmune disease in which the organism attacks the stomach cells that produce the intrinsic factor error. Without intrinsic factor, the absorption of vitamin B12 is severely affected. Patients with pernicious anemia need vitamin B12 supplements for life to maintain healthy levels of this vitamin in their body.

How to Diagnose Vitamin B12 Deficiency

To accurately diagnose vitamin B12 deficiency, health professionals are usually based on a combination of medical history, physical examination and laboratory tests. First, the doctor will investigate the patient’s symptoms, family medical history and any factor that can contribute to a B12 deficiency, such as a vegan or vegetarian diet, gastrointestinal disorders or medications that interfere with absorption.

Medical history:

• Ask the patient in symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, paleness, difficulty breathing, dizziness and tingling or numbness of hands and feet.
• Evaluate the patient’s diet, paying attention to animal products as a source of vitamin B12.
• Discuss any disease or surgical intervention that may affect the absorption or use of vitamin B12.

Physical exploration:

• Check if there are signs of paleness, jaundice or glossitis (tongue inflammation).
• Evaluate the reflexes, coordination and sensory functions of the patient to identify any neurological anomaly.
• Examine the cardiovascular system to detect signs of anemia, such as a quick pulse.

Although medical history and physical examination can provide valuable information, laboratory tests are essential to confirm a vitamin B12 deficiency. These tests may include

1. Complete hemogram (CBC): The hemogram helps determine the number and appearance of the different blood cells, including red blood cells. Low levels of red blood cells or abnormally large red blood cells (macrocytosis) may indicate a lack of vitamin B12.
2. Blood analysis of vitamin B12: This test measures the level of vitamin B12 in the blood. The low levels of B12 in serum indicate a deficiency, although additional tests may be necessary to determine the underlying cause.
3. Antibody test against the intrinsic factor: This test is used to detect antibodies against the intrinsic factor, which are present in pernicious anemia, an autoimmune disease that alters the absorption of vitamin B12.
4. Methylmalonic acid test (MMA): High levels of MMA in the blood can be a sign of vitamin B12 deficiency.

Combining the medical history, the findings of physical examination and the results of laboratory tests, health professionals can accurately diagnose the lack of vitamin B12 and develop an adequate treatment plan.

Treatment and Prevention of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

One of the main methods of lack of vitamin B12 is the administration of cyanocobalamine supplements, a synthetic form of vitamin B12. Cyanocobalamine is a stable form of vitamin that can easily become the active forms that the organism needs for various biological processes. It can be taken orally in the form of tablets or capsules, or administered by injections in the case of persons with jugglers or serious deficiencies.

Note: It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplementation regime, since the dose and frequency can vary depending on the specific needs and the medical history of each person.

In addition to supplements, a diet rich in foods that are natural sources of vitamin B12 is crucial for prevention and health in general. Some excellent dietary sources of vitamin B12 include animal products such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy products.

• Veal liver
• Salmon
• Milk and cheese
• Eggs

1. Enriched breakfast cereals
2. Yoghurt
3. Tuna
4. Chicken

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By incorporating these foods into the diet, people can help prevent vitamin B12 deficiency and maintain optimal levels of this essential nutrient in their body.

Supplements: Cyanocobalamin as a Source of Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12:

The lack of vitamin B12 is an important problem worldwide and affects people of all ages. It is particularly common among strict vegetarians, vegans and older adults. This deficiency can cause various health problems, such as anemia, fatigue, neurological problems and deterioration of cognitive function.

“Vitamin B12 deficiency is a common public health problem, and people with greater risk should consider supplements administration.”

Cyanocobalamine as a dietary supplement:

To combat vitamin B12 deficiency, cyanocobalamine is widely used as a dietary supplement. It is a synthetic form of vitamin B12 that the organism can easily turn into its active forms, methylcobalamine and adenosylcobalamine.

Here is a table that summarizes the main benefits and properties of cyanocobalamine:

Cyanocobalamine supplementation should be considered for people at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency or those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet. It is important to consult a health professional to determine the appropriate dose and duration of supplementation based on individual needs and health status.

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Author of the article

Dr.Greenblatt M.

Medical oncologist at the Robert Larner College of Medicine, MD, at the University of Vermont