Vitamin B12

• Medical Discovery: Identified in the early 20th century for its role in preventing pernicious anemia.
• Traditional Uses: Historically, diets rich in animal products provided sufficient Vitamin B12 to support energy and health.
• Modern Applications: Essential for energy metabolism, nerve function, and DNA synthesis.

Vitamin B12 contains a central cobalt atom and exists in different forms:

• Methylcobalamin: Active form in the brain and nervous system.
• Adenosylcobalamin: Active in mitochondria for energy production.
• Cyanocobalamin: Synthetic form commonly used in supplements.

• Nerve Protection: Supports myelin sheath formation and nerve cell repair.
• DNA Synthesis: Essential for cell division and genetic material production.
• Red Blood Cell Formation: Prevents anemia by aiding in hemoglobin synthesis.
• Mood Regulator: Influences serotonin production, reducing symptoms of depression.

1. Prevents Anemia:

• Effect: Supports red blood cell production, preventing megaloblastic anemia.
• Study Suggests : B12 supplementation improves hemoglobin levels and reduces fatigue in deficient individuals.

2. Supports Nervous System Health:

• Use: Prevents neurological damage and supports nerve regeneration.

3. Enhances Energy Levels:

• Mechanism: Maintains red blood cells; provides oxygen to cells to get energy

4. Maintaining healthy nerve cells:

• Research Insight: Vitamin B12 Enhances Nerve Repair and Improves Functional Recovery.

5. Reduces Homocysteine Levels:

• Use: Lowers cardiovascular risk by reducing homocysteine, a marker of heart disease.

6. Promotes Healthy Pregnancy:

• Effect: Prevents neural tube defects and supports fetal brain development.

• Leber’s Disease: May exacerbate optic nerve damage in individuals with this hereditary condition.
• Allergy: Rare hypersensitivity to injectable forms of B12.

• Generally well-tolerated.
• Rare cases of mild gastrointestinal discomfort or skin rash.
• Over-supplementation may cause dizziness or headache in some individuals.

Metformin: May reduce B12 absorption; supplementation is often recommended.

• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Long-term use may lead to B12 deficiency.
• Chloramphenicol: May interfere with the action of B12 in red blood cell formation.
• Herbs: Works synergistically with adaptogens like rhodiola for energy support.

1. Anemia Prevention: Studies on B12 and red blood cell formation.
2. Cognitive Function: B12’s role in dementia prevention.
3. Homocysteine Reduction: Research on B12 and cardiovascular health.
4. The Role of Neurotropic B Vitamins in Nerve Regeneration : https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8294980/
5. VitaminB12-treated group after TBI : https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6491933/#sec21

Vitamin B12 is a crucial nutrient for maintaining energy, brain health, and overall well-being. Its role in nerve protection, red blood cell formation, and DNA synthesis underscores its importance for physical and mental health. While generally safe and effective, supplementation is essential for vegetarians, vegans, and individuals with absorption issues.