Overview

VITAMIN B12   What is vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 belongs to the B family of vitamins. It is sometimes referred to as cobalamin.   What does vitamin B12 do in the body. Vitamin B12 is a cofactor in chemical reactions related to cell metabolism and DNA in the body. Deficiencies in vitamin B12 can, therefore, be very consequential and severe.

How it works:

"Vitamin B12 is a cofactor in chemical reactions in the body related to cell metabolism and DNA. Deficiencies in vitamin B12 therefore can be very consequential and severe. Causes of vitamin b12 deficiency can include low dietary intake, autoimmune conditions, malabsorption, surgery, contraceptive and hormone use, pregnancy, genetic causes, or drug interactions (metformin, proton pump inhibitors, and histamine H2 receptor agonists). Symptoms of vitamin b12 deficiency include fatigue, lack of energy, nervous system issues, and psychological dysfunction. Slow thinking, confusion, changes in memory, depression, and acute psychotic states may be psychiatric symptoms attributed to vitamin B12 deficiency."

Dosage Form: Tablet From UpToDate: The cyanocobalamin content of over-the-counter products varies; it is generally higher in B-complex products (eg, 50 to 500 mcg) or products containing only vitamin B12 (eg, 500 to 1,000 mcg) than in multivitamin products (eg, 5 to 25 mcg)"

Common Usage: Treating vitamin B12 deficiency