Glossary: Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12

Also known as: Cobalamin

What is it?

This VITAMIN, working in concert with folacin (a B vitamin also known as FOLIC ACID), is used in the production of red blood cells. It also helps build and maintain protective nerve sheaths.

Essential

U.S. RDA FOR VITAMIN B12 (Cobalamin)
babies: birth to 6 months 6 months to 1 year	0.3 mcg per day 0.5 mcg per day
children: 1 to 3 years 4 to 6 years 7 to 10 years	0.7 mcg per day 1 mcg per day 1.4 mcg per day
men & boys: 11 to 51 years	2 mcg per day
women and girls: 11 to 51 years	2 mcg per day
pregnant women:	2.2 mcg per day
nursing mothers:	2.6 mcg per day

Deficiency Symptoms

Pernicious anemia, muscle and nerve paralysis. In order to absorb B12 efficiently, the body relies on intrinsic factor, a PROTEIN manufactured in the stomach. As one grows older, the production of intrinsic factor slows and may cease altogether. In such cases, the only way to get enough B12 is via injection. And what about B12 supplements as a quick fix for that dragged-out feeling? There's no proof that they work.

Precautions

Foods cooked at intense heat or in an alkaline solution (with baking soda, for example) will lose a certain amount of B12. Pasteurized milk has lost about 10 percent of this precious vitamin. Because no plants contain B12, vegetarians should include some animal protein (dairy products or eggs, for example) in their diets, use B12-FORTIFIED soy milk or take a supplement. Two other factors reducing the absorption of B12: hypothyroidism, IRON and/or PYRIDOXINE deficiencies.

Good Sources

Meats, fish, poultry, dairy products, eggs.

Standard Process Supplements

Folic Acid B12