Vitamin B12 Or Cyanocobalamin – This book covers the entire syllabus of “Nutrition and Dietetics” prescribed by BNMC-for all Diploma in Nursing Science and Midwifery students. We tried to accommodate latest information and topics. This book is examination friendly setup according to the teachers’ lectures and examination’s questions. At the end of the book previous university questions are given. We hope in touch with the book students’ knowledge will be upgraded and flourished. The unique way of presentation may make your reading of the book a pleasurable experience.
Vitamin B12 Or Cyanocobalamin
Vitamin B12 is a complex organo-metallic compound with a cobalt atom. Its pharmaceutical preparation is cyanocobalamin. It is present in the body tissues as cyanocobalamin, hydroxycobalamin and some other form. It is water soluble and heat stable.
Sources of Vitamin B12:
Vitamin B12 is present only in foods of animal origin. It is not present in foods of vegetable origin.
Important dietary sources of vitamin B12
- Rich sources: Liver – 120mg/100gm
- Good sources: Organ meat, muscle meat, shellfish, eggs, cheese and fish.
- Fair sources: Skimmed milk powder-3.2 mg/100 gm
(Ref: T. K. Indrani/1/86)
Functions of vitamin B12:
1. It stimulates the formation of RBC (Red Blood Corpuscles).
2. It promotes the maturation of RBC.
3. It co-operates with folate in the synthesis of DNA.
4. Vitamin B_{12} has a separate biochemical role, in synthesis of fatty acids in myelin.
5. It stimulates appetite, promote growth.
6. Cobalamin is required in the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates
7. It provides protection against allergies, cancer and infection.
Effects of vitamin B12 deficiency:
1. Megaloblastic anaemia (pernicious anaemia).
2. Peripheral neuropathy.
3. Sub-acute combined degeneration of spinal cord.
(Ref: Essential of Human Nutrition/1/47)
Daily requirements of B12
| Age group | Requirement |
| Infants | 0.2 µg |
| Children | 0.2 µg |
| Normal adult | 1 µg |
| Pregnancy | 1.5 µg |
| Lactation | 1.5 µg |
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