Name of Teacher : Ms. Levashova Olga Name of student :Crispin MalvikaGroup No :5

A vitamin is an organic compound and a vital nutrient that an organism requires in limited amounts. At present thirteen vitamins are universally recognized, they are as follows :

Benefits of vitamin b12The top 5 health benefits of vitamin B 12 are:

It is needed to convert carbohydrates into glucose in the body, thus leading to energy production and a decrease in fatigue and lethargy in the body.

It helps in healthy regulation of the nervous system, reducing depression, stress, and brain shrinkage. It helps maintain a healthy digestive system. Vitamin B12 also protects against heart disease by curbing and improving unhealthy cholesterol

levels, protecting against stroke, and high blood pressure. It is essential for healthy skin, hair, and nails. It helps in cell reproduction and constant renewal of the skin. Vitamin B 12 helps protect against cancers including breast, colon, lung, and prostate cancer.

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that keeps your nerves and red blood cells healthy. It is responsible for the smooth functioning of several critical body processes. It is possible for the body to develop a vitamin B12 deficiency. This deficiency is usually reported with symptoms of fatigue.

Strict vegetarians, heavy drinkers and smokers, pregnant and breast-feeding women, and the elderly usually require vitamin B12 supplements. Sometimes our body, mainly our digestive system, is not able to absorb this vitamin well. This can happen when a person has pernicious anaemia, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, bacteria growth in the small intestine, or a parasite. People suffering from these conditions may need vitamin B12 supplements as well.

Medical Uses

Vitamin B12 is used to treat vitamin B12 deficiency, cyanide poisoning, and hereditary deficiency of trans-cobalamin II. It is given as part of the Schilling test for detecting pernicious anaemia.

For cyanide poisoning, a large amount of hydroxocobalamin may be given intravenously and sometimes in combination with sodium thiosulfate. The mechanism of action is straightforward: the hydroxycobalamin hydroxide ligand is displaced by the toxic cyanide ion, and the resulting harmless B12 complex is excreted in urine.

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration approved (in 2006) the use of hydroxocobalamin for acute treatment of cyanide poisoning. High vitamin B12 level in elderly individuals may protect against brain atrophy or shrinkage associated with Alzheimer's disease and impaired cognitive function.

Causes of Deficiency

Pathology

Changes on skin

Sources & Diet

Like we came across before…. Neither fungi, plants, nor animals are capable of producing vitamin B12. Only bacteria and archaea have the enzymes required for its synthesis, although many foods are a natural source of B12 because of bacterial symbiosis. The vitamin is the largest and most structurally complicated vitamin and can be produced industrially only through bacterial fermentation-synthesis.But in the recent times it has been proven that aloe vera is the only known natural source of vitamin B12.

Yummy Vita Gummies !!

Recommended Intake !!

The dietary reference intake for an adult ranges from 2 to 3 µg per day (US), and 1.5 µg per day (UK). But according to a new study, the DRI should be 4 to 7 µg per day. The Centre for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition recommends 6 µg per day, based on a caloric intake of 2,000 calories, for adults and children four or more years of age.

Vitamin B12 is believed to be safe when used orally in amounts that do not exceed the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). There have been studies that showed no adverse consequences of doses above the RDA.

The RDA for vitamin B12 in pregnant women is 2.6 µg per day and 2.8 µg during lactation periods. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of consuming greater amounts of vitamin B12 during pregnancy.[citation needed]

The Institute of Medicine states that because 10 to 30% of older people may be unable to absorb naturally occurring vitamin B12 in foods, it is advisable for those 51 years old and older to consume B12-fortified foods or B12 supplements to meet the recommended intake.

Excess of vitamin b12!!

The following are the other symptoms that may be associated with excess vitamin B12 intake:

Supplementation of Vitamin B12 and B6 after stenting may cause narrowing of the blood vessels.

Intravenous supplementation of Vitamin B12 may lead to high blood pressure.

Skin problems, such as rash, pustules, and Rosacea have been associated with vitamin B12 supplementation.

Nausea, diarrhoea, and difficulty swallowing may occur.

People with megaloblastic anaemia receiving vitamin B12 supplementation are at increased risk of developing fatal hypokalaemia (low levels of potassium)

People with a history of high uric acid and/or gout should be cautious taking vitamin B12, which is associated with triggering gout in people who are susceptible.

Potential Side Effects

So lets fall in love with vitamins and embrace our health