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Introduction What is a Balanced Diet Food Nutrient Terms DRVs for Fat and Carbohydrate Modifying your Diet Food Energy Balance Vitamins and Minerals Carbohydrate Fibre Cholesterol Trans-Fatty Acids Protein Vitamin A Vitamin C Sodium Vitamin B6, Niacin and Thiamin Vitamin E A Final Word Nutrients Covered |
Vitamin B12 is a water soluble vitamin. Compounds with vitamin B12 activity consist of a corrinoid ring surrounding an atom of cobalt, the sole funtion known for cobalt in humans. Vitamin B12 is involved in the recycling of folate coenzymes through involvement in methionine synthesis and the degradation of valine via methylmalonyl CoA. Interactions with the folate group of co-enzymes are responsible for the haematological abnormality of megaloblastic anaemia, in which vitamin B12 deficiency results in the same syndrome as folate deficiency. In addition, vitamin B12 is needed for nerve myelination, and prolonged deficiency leads to irreversible neurological damage. |
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