What Is The Function of Vitamin B12?
This vitamin is synthesized exclusively by microorganisms, and so it is not found in plants, but must be obtained from animal sources. Plants may be contaminated by microorganisms (such as spirulina) but are usually not in the form of Vitamin 1312 that is useful to the human body. The intestinal absorption of Vitamin B 12 requires intrinsic factor, a protein that is secreted by the stomach. After several transformations in the body, Vitamin B 12 (cobalamin) as a cofactor is used in several reactions important to the citric acid cycle and gluconeogenesis (creation of glucose). Vitamin 1312 is also involved in the synthesis of the nucleic acids found in DNA and RNA. A deficiency of Vitamin B12 leads to megaloblastic anemia. When the absorption of Vitamin B12 is prevented by a lack of intrinsic factor, it is called pernicious anemia. Vegans are at risk for deficiency. Deficiency leads to impaired DNA synthesis which in turn prevents the formation of new healthy red blood cells and results
