Vitamin B-12, commonly called Cyanocobalamin, is a member of the B group of essential vitamins. Cyanocobalamin is just one compound in the family of B-12 vitamins, but it is the most easy to crystallize and put in pill or capsule form. It’s readily used by the body in such essential tasks as helping in the production of blood cells and maintaining proper nervous system response. Unlike other forms of B vitamins, the body stores excess quantities of Vitamin B-12 in the liver where it is available for use over many years.
The recommended daily allowance of Vitamin B-12 is 5 micrograms per day. Because the body is able to store excess Vitamin B-12 in the liver, deficiencies of this vitamin are quite rare, but in some cases the body, suffering from Pernicious anemia, can find it difficult to absorb B-12. A Vitamin B-12 deficiency results. The symptoms of a deficiency include numbness, lack of balance, lack of coordination, and anemia.
Vitamin B-12 is normally not found in significant quantities in plant based foods. People who are on a strict vegetarian or vegan diet may find that they are not taking enough Vitamin B-12 in their diet and need to take a vitamin supplement. For others, there is normally an adequate amount in a proper diet consisting of eggs, meat, shellfish, milk and poultry. These foods are rich in a natural form of Vitamin B-12.
Vitamin B-12 is an essential part of the treatments of health disorders as well. There is evidence that Cyanocobalamin supplements can reduce the brain shrinkage and impaired cognitive functions in elderly patients, thereby possibly reducing the risks of Alzheimer’s Disease.
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