B Vitamins: B 1 and B 2 (Thiamin & Riboflavin) Elena

B Vitamins:

• B1 and B2 (Thiamin & Riboflavin)Elena

• B3 and B5 (Niacin & Pantothenic Acid)Kelly

• B6 and B7 (Pyridoxine & Biotin)Beth

• B9 and B12 (Folate & Cobalamin)Margaret

NUTR 150 , Sciara, SP’07

B Vitamins

• All B vitamins help the body to convert carbohydrates into glucose (sugar), which is "burned" to produce energy

• They are essential in the breakdown of fats and proteins.

• They play an important role in maintaining muscle tone along the digestive tract and promoting the health of the nervous system, skin, hair, eyes, mouth, and liver.

Assignment:

1. Name of vitamin or mineral (briefly give chemical composition)

2. How it functions in the body—metabolism (just how it fits into the big picture, briefly)

3. Can it be synthesized by the human body or must it come from other sources (e.g., food)?

4. Food sources (if the vitamin or mineral cannot be synthesized by the body)

5. Daily requirement (RDA)

6. Deficiencies/disease, treatment

7. Fun facts (optional)

Elena

B1 and B2 (Thiamin & Riboflavin)

B1, Thiamin

1.Name of vitamin or mineral (briefly give chemical composition)

I’ll start with B1 , Thiamin…

C12H17N4OS+ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thiamine

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Thiamine_structure.svg

B1 Thiamin

2. How it functions in the body—metabolism

Thiamin is a water-soluble vitamin involved in these body functions:

• nervous system and muscle functioning

• flow of electrolytes in and out of nerve and muscle cells (through ion channels)

• multiple enzyme processes (via the coenzyme thiamin pyrophosphate)

(cont.’d)National Library of Medicine (NLM) & The National Institutes of Health (NIH)

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-thiamin.html

B1 , Thiamin

2. How it functions in the body—metabolism(cont.’d)

• carbohydrate metabolism

• production of hydrochloric acid (which is necessary for proper digestion)

Note: Because there is very little thiamin stored in the body, depletion can occur as quickly as within 14 days.

National Library of Medicine (NLM) & The National Institutes of Health (NIH)


B1, Thiamin

3. Can it be synthesized by the human body or must it come from other sources (e.g., food)?Humans are dependent on dietary intake to fulfill their thiamin requirements…very limited thiamin [is] stored in the body.

Note: Some antibiotics destroy gastrointestinal flora (normal bacteria in the gut), which manufactures some B vitamins…[but again] the majority of thiamin is obtained through diet.



B1, Thiamin

4. Food sources:

Dietary sources of thiamin include…

• beef

• Brewer’s yeast

• legumes (beans, lentils)

• milk

• nuts

• oats

• oranges

• pork

• rice

• seeds

• wheat

• whole grain cereals

• yeast



B1, Thiamin


Population RDA

For adult males 19 and older:1.2 mg

For adult females 19 and older:1.1 mg

For pregnant or breastfeeding women of any age: 1.4 mg

(cont.’d)National Library of Medicine (NLM) & The National Institutes of Health (NIH)


B1, Thiamin


Population RDA (cont.’d)

For children 4-8 years old:0.6 mg

For children 9-13 years old: 1 mg

For adolescent males 14-18:1.2 mg

For adolescent females 14-18:1 mg



B1, Thiamin


Severe chronic thiamin deficiency (beriberi) can result in potentially serious complications involving the nervous system/brain, muscles, heart, and gastrointestinal system.



B1, Thiamin


Deficiency symptoms and side effects include beriberi, anorexia and weight loss, apathy, decreased short-term memory, confusion and irritability, muscle weakness, and enlarged heart.

(Textbook)

B1, Thiamin


The NLM & NIH provide a chart showing “uses [of thiamin] based on scientific evidence” for various conditions. They use the following grading scale:

A Strong scientific evidence for this useB Good scientific evidence for this useC Unclear scientific evidence for this useD Fair scientific evidence against this useF Strong scientific evidence against this use



B1, Thiamin


Here are some of the conditions listed on their chart—and their grade:



Metabolic disorders (subacute necrotizing encephalopathy, maple syrup urine disease, pyruvate carboxylase deficiency, hyperalaninemia)

A

Thiamin deficiency (beriberi, Wernicke’s encephalopathy, Korsakoff’s psychosis, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome)

A

Acute alcohol withdrawal B

B1, Thiamin




Alzheimer’s disease C

Cancer C

Cataract prevention C

Crohn’s disease C

Heart failure C

B1, Thiamin




Pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency (in children)

C

Hip fractures D

B1,Thiamin

7.Fun facts

• Thiamin was one of the first organic compounds to be recognized as a vitamin (It was isolated and characterized in the 1920’s.)

• Other than “thiamin,” vitamin B1 is known by 20 other names!



B2, Riboflavin

1.Name of vitamin or mineral (briefly give chemical composition)

Now I’ll move on to Vitamin B2 , Riboflavin…

C17H20N4O6

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Riboflavin.svg

B2, Riboflavin


Riboflavin is a water-soluble vitamin that supports…

• energy metabolism (carbs & fats)• biosynthesis of a number of compounds through its coenzyme forms, flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and flavin mononucleotide (FMN)

It is also required for activation and support of activity of vitamin B6, folate, niacin, and vitamin K. Northwestern University

http://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/nutrition/factsheets/vitamin-b2.html

B2, Riboflavin


In essence…

It is necessary for normal cell function, growth, and energy production.

And…according to our textbook, “supports normal vision and skin health” (p.218).

Mayo Clinic

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vitamin-B2/NS_patient-riboflavin

B2, Riboflavin

3. Can it be synthesized by the human body or must it come from other sources (e.g., food)?Small amounts of riboflavin are present in most animal and plant tissues.

Healthy individuals who eat a balanced diet rarely need riboflavin supplements.

Northwestern University


B2, Riboflavin

4. Food sources:

According to Northwestern University, liver, almonds, soy nuts, shellfish, milk and other dairy products, and eggs.

The Mayo Clinic adds enriched cereals/grains, meats, and green vegetables (such as esparagus or broccoli) to the list.

Northwestern University


Mayo Clinic


B2, Riboflavin


Population RDA

• For female adults (older than 18) 1.1 mg

• For male adults (older than 18)1.3 mg

• For adolescent females (14-18)1.0 mg

• For adolescent males (14-18)1.3 mg

• For pregnant women (any age)1.4 mg

• For breastfeeding women (any age)1.6 mg

Mayo Clinic


B2, Riboflavin


Population RDA

• For children (4-8) 0.6 mg

• For children ( 9-13) 0.9 mg

Mayo Clinic


B2, Riboflavin


Using the same grading scale as before, here are some examples of conditions related to riboflavin deficiency:Neonatal jaundice A

Riboflavin deficiency (ariboflavinosis) A

Anemia C

Mayo Clinic


B2, Riboflavin


Anorexia / bulemia C

Cataracts C

Cognitive function C

Depression C

Malaria C

Mayo Clinic


B2, Riboflavin


Esophageal cancer (prevention & treatment)

C

Migraine headache prevention C

Mayo Clinic


B2, Riboflavin


Deficiency symptoms and side effects include ariboflavinosis, sore throat, swelling of mouth and throat, cheilosis (dry, cracked lips), angular stomatitis (inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth), glossitis (magenta tongue), seborrheic dermatitis (inflammation of oil glands in the skin), and anemia (lower than normal amount of red blood cells).

Northwestern University adds photophobia and burning, itching eyes to this list.

(Textbook)

B2, Riboflavin

7. Fun facts

• As with other B vitamins, riboflavin is lost by milling of grains. To compensate for these losses, white flour is enriched with this vitamin.

• Riboflavin is not part of the vitamin enrichment mixture added to white rice because the addition of this vitamin imparts a yellowish cast.

Mayo Clinic


B2, Riboflavin

7. Fun facts

• Riboflavin is often used as a tracer of medication compliance in the treatment of patients with alcoholic dependence, mental disorders, and other conditions. Urinary riboflavin levels may be measured in order to determine level of compliance.

• Riboflavin is easily destroyed by exposure to light (for example, [if it is] in milk stored in clear glass bottles). It can also be destroyed in the presence of alkali such as baking soda. Mayo Clinic


Kelly

B3 and B5 (Niacin & Pantothenic Acid)

Niacin• Also called nicotinic

acid, niacinamide, nicotinamide or nicotinic acid and referred to as vitamin B 3

• Made up of niacin (nicotinic acid) and its amide, niacinamide

• Can be manufactured by the body

Functions in Body• Participates in more than 50 metabolic functions • Plays an important role in ridding the body of toxic and harmful

chemicals• Helps the body make various sex and stress-related hormones

in the adrenal glands and other parts of the body • Is effective in improving circulation and lowering cholesterol by

preventing its buildup in the liver and arteries• Derivatives such as NADH are required for cell respiration; the

release of energy and metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins

• Proper circulation and healthy skin• Functioning of the nervous system• Normal secretion of bile and stomach fluids • Aids in the production of hydrochloric acid, needed for proper

digestion • The health of the myelin sheath (the protective covering of the

spinal nerves) which helps treat schizophrenia and other mental illnesses and works as a memory-enhancer

• Aids in protecting the pancreas

Niacin Biosynthesis

• The liver can synthesize niacin from the essential amino acid tryptophan

Tryptophan → Kynurenine → Niacin

• Can also be consumed through foods

Niacin in Foods

• Animal products: – liver, heart and kidney– chicken– beef– fish: tuna, salmon– milk– Eggs

• Seeds:– nuts– whole grain products– legumes

The best dietary sources of vitamin B3 are found in beets, brewer's yeast, beef liver, beef kidney, pork, turkey, chicken, veal, fish, salmon, swordfish, tuna, sunflower seeds, and peanuts

• Fruits and Vegetables:– leaf vegetables– broccoli– tomatoes– carrots– dates– sweet potatoes– asparagus– avocados

• Fungi:– mushrooms– brewer's yeast

Recommended Daily Requirements

• Niacin is available in several different supplement forms: – Niacinamide– Nicotinic acid– Inositol hexaniacinate

• Daily requirements for niacin may be higher for those who have cancer, those who are being treated with isoniazid (for tuberculosis), and people with protein deficiencies

• Infants birth to 6 months: 2 mg (adequate intake)

• Infants 7 months to 1 year: 4 mg (adequate intake)

• Children 1 to 3 years: 6 mg• Children 4 to 8 years: 8 mg• Children 9 to 13 years: 12 mg• Males 14 to 18 years: 16 mg• Females 14 to 18 years: 14

mg• Males 19 years and older: 16

mg• Females 19 years and older:

14 mg• Pregnant females: 18 mg• Breastfeeding females: 17

mg

Side Effects• Flushing of the skin along with a

strange itching sensation and a reddening of the skin

• Headache• Nausea• Hyperuricemia• Liver toxicity• Worsening of stomach ulcers• Altered blood sugar or insulin levels

or uric acid concentrations• Increased liver enzyme levels in the

blood• Skin yellowing (jaundice)• Fluid in the abdomen (ascites) • Lactic acidosis, muscle cell damage

(myopathy) and increased blood levels of creatine kinase (a marker of muscle damage)

• Abnormal heart rhythms and heart palpitations

• Blood clotting problems• Low white blood cell number

(leukopenia)• Tooth or gum pain• Dizziness• Breathing difficulty• Increased anxiety• Panic attacks• Decreased thyroid function

(hypothyroidism)• Temporary side effects of the eye

including macular swelling and blurred vision as well as toxic amblyopia ("lazy eye")

• Liver failure• Low blood pressure• Stomach ulcers

Niacin Deficiencies/DiseasesSymptoms of deficiency:• Generalized weakness or muscular

weakness• Lack of appetite• Skin infections• Digestive problems • Fatigue• Canker sores• Vomiting• Depression • Dementia• Bright red rash resembling sunburn• Irritation of the mouth• Inflammation and ulceration of the

tongue• Insomnia• Headache • Dizziness• Delusions• Hallucinations • Anemia

Pellagra• The term pellagra is derived from the

Italian words pelle agra meaning

rough or smarting skin. • Severe deficiency of both niacin and

tryptophan • Most often seen in chronic

alcoholism, malnutrition and people with multiple vitamin deficiencies

• Characterized by cracked, scaly skin, dementia, and diarrhea

Dietary deficiency of niacin tends to only occur in areas of the world where people eat corn as a staple and don't use lime in fertilization. Corn is the only grain that is low in niacin. Lime releases tryptophan which, again, can be converted to niacin in the body

Niacin Prevention and Treatment

Used for prevention or treatment of:• Diabetes• Osteoarthritis• Cataracts• Burns• High Cholesterol• Atherosclerosis• High cholesterol • Pellagra• Alzheimer's disease/ cognitive decline• A recent study found that the combination of niacin and a

cholesterol-lowering drug called simvastatin (which belongs to a class known as HmG CoA reductase inhibitors or statins) may dramatically slow the progression of heart disease, reducing risk of heart attack, and even death.

• An interesting area of research currently underway is the use of niacin skin care products as anti-aging agents, for treatment of acne, and, possibly, for prevention of skin cancer

Fun Facts about Niacin• When the properties of niacin were

discovered, it was thought prudent to choose a common name other than nicotinic acid, for fear that it might be confused with nicotine, leading to the ideas that either smoking provided vitamins or that wholesome food contained a poison.

• The resulting name 'niacin' was derived from nicotinic acid + vitamin. Vitamin B3 is also referred to as "vitamin PP", a name derived from the obsolete term "pellagra-preventing factor."

Pantothenic acid

• Also called vitamin B5

• Its name is derived from the Greek pantothen meaning "from everywhere" and small quantities of pantothenic acid are found in nearly every food

Function in Body• Essential to all forms of life• Critical in the metabolism and synthesis of carbohydrates,

proteins, and fats • Needed to form coenzyme-A (CoA); this is a way to transport

carbon atoms within the cell. The transfer of carbon atoms by coenzyme A is important in cellular respiration

• Secretion of hormones that assist metabolism, help to fight allergies and are beneficial in the maintenance of healthy skin, muscles and nerves.

• Used in the creation of lipids, neurotransmitters, steroid hormones and hemoglobin

• Some are of the opinion that pantothenic acid is also helpful to fight wrinkles as well as graying of the hair

• Critical to the manufacture of red blood cells• Important in maintaining a healthy digestive tract• Helps the body to use other vitamins more effectively

Pantothenic Acid Biosynthesis

• Must be consumed through food! • Gut bacteria in humans can generate

pantothenic acid, although we may or may not be able to absorb it

Pantolithic Acid in Foods

• Small quantities of pantothenic acid are found in most foods, with high quantities found in whole grain and eggs

• Can also be found in many dietary supplements (as calcium-D-pantothenate), and some energy drink companies are now adding pantothenic acid to their beverages

• A lot of vitamin B5 is lost in processing; 35%-75%

Adequate Intake Levels

Does not appear to be toxic in high dosage

• Infants 0 to 6 months: 1.7 mg/day • Infants 7 to 12 months: 1.8 mg/day• Children 1 to 3 years: 2 mg/day• Children 4 to 8 years: 3 mg/day• Males 9 to 13 years: 4 mg/day• Males 14 to 18 years: 5 mg/day • Males 19 years and older: 5

mg/day• Females 9 to 13 years: 4 mg/day• Females 14 to 18 years: 5 mg/day • Females 19 years and older: 5

mg/day • Pregnant Females 14 to 50 years: 6

mg/day • Breastfeeding Females 14 to 50

years: 7 mg/day

Pantothenic Acid Deficiencies

• Pantothenic acid deficiency is exceptionally rare– Victims of starvation– Prisoners of war

• Most information regarding the effects of pantothenic acid deficiency comes from experimental research in animals

• Fatigue• Allergies• Nausea• Abdominal pain. • Adrenal insufficiency• Hepatic encephalopathy• Painful burning sensations

of the feet and hands• Headaches• Depression• Personality changes• Cardiac instability• Frequent infection

Pantothenic Acid Treatments

• Hair care• Acne• Anti-inflammatory• Antiviral • Wound Healing• Burns• High Cholesterol• May have antioxidant and radioprotective

activities• Rheumatoid arthritis

Fun Facts about Pantothenic Acid

It is sometimes referred to as the "anti-stress" vitamin because it is believed to enhance the activity of the immune system and improve the body's ability to withstand

stressful conditions

Beth

B6 and B7 (Pyridoxine & Biotin)

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)Vitamin Name and Chemical Composition

• Vitamin B6, Pyridoxine

• C8H11NO3

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Pyridoxine_structure.svg

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)How it functions in the body

• Assists in balance of sodium and potassium• Promotes red blood cell production• Increases the amount of oxygen carried by hemoglobin• Linked to cardiovascular health by decreasing the

formation of homocysteine• Essential for the nervous system

– Needed to synthesize neurotransmitters- serotonin & dopamine• Helps balance hormonal changes in women• Helps regulate blood glucose by converting stored

nutrients into glucose.• Helps the immune system

– Promotes growth of WBCs and helps maintain lymphoid organs that make them.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)Can it be synthesized in the human body

or must it come from other sources? (e.g. food)

• Must come from dietary intake through food or supplements

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)Food Sources

• Fortified cereals• Beans• Meat • Poultry• Fish• Avocado• Bananas• Nuts• Potato• Spinach• Nutritional yeast• Wheat germ

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/fish/printouts/Laketrout.shtml

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Peanut_closeup.jpg

http://www.answers.com/main/Record?d=wheat+germ&a=Shopping_Compare2_N&url=http%3A%2F%2Fanswers.shopping.com%2FxPC-Quaker_Kretschmer_Original_Toasted_Wheat_Germ_in_Jar_12_Oz%7EPD-29725422%7EFD-96446%7Ekworg-wheat%2520germ%7Elinkin_id-8002930%7EDMT-4%7EVK-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:BakedPotatoWithButter.jpg

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)Daily Requirement (RDA)

Men Women

Ages 19-50 1.3mg 1.3mg

Ages 51+ 1.7mg 1.5mg

Pregnancy 1.9mg

Lactation 2.0mg

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)Deficiencies, Disease, Treatment

Deficiencies are rare but can occur in certain cases:

In individuals with very poor quality diets – elderly, alcoholics

In cases where the individual is on certain medications: oral contraceptives, theophylline

Symptoms: dermatitis, sore tongue, depression, confusion, irritability, anxiety, insomnia, paresthesias, & myalgia.

Can lead to anemia and nerve damage.

Treatment: Vitamin B6 Supplements!

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)Fun Facts!

• One study showed that B6 may increase dream vividness or the ability to recall dreams.

• May alleviate some symptoms of an alcoholic hangover.

• May decrease the risk of Parkinson’s Disease by 50%

• Being studied as treatment for PMS, carpal tunnel syndrome, depression, migraines, heart disease, and learning disabilities in children.

Vitamin B7 (Biotin)Name of vitamin and chemical composition

Vitamin B7, Biotin, Vitamin H

C10H16N2O3S

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Biotin_structure.svg

Vitamin B7 (Biotin)How it functions in the body

Used in cell growth Production of fatty acids, and gluconeogenesis Metabolism of leucine Plays a role in the Krebs Cycle Helps with the transfer of carbon dioxide Helpful in maintaining a steady blood sugar level Essential for red blood cell metabolism Needed for the conversion of tryptophan to niacin

Vitamin B7 (Biotin)Can it be synthesized by the human body or must it come from other sources (e.g., food)?

• Intestinal bacteria can synthesize small amounts

• The body recycles biotin from bodily waste

• Many foods contain adequate amounts as our daily requirement is very low

Vitamin B7 (Biotin)Food sources

BeansBreadsBrewer’s yeastCauliflowerChocolateLiverLegumesMeatEgg yolkSoyBananasMushrooms

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:FoodMeat.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Cauliflower.JPG

Vitamin B7 (Biotin)Daily requirement (RDA)

300 mcg daily(No upper limit restriction)

Vitamin B7 (Biotin)Deficiencies, disease, treatment

Deficiencies are rarely seen in healthy individuals - Can occur in people with diabetes or hereditary

disorders Long term use of antibiotics can decrease the biotin

production in the small intestine Certain medications can interfere with ability to absorb B7

Excessive consumption of raw egg whites can also cause deficiency.(Egg whites contain a protein, avidin that binds strongly to biotin)

Symptoms include: Dry scaly skin, tongue inflammation, fatigue, loss of appetite, mental depression, high cholesterol, hair loss, brittle fingernails, hypertension, and paresthesias.

Treatment: Biotin Supplements! Deficiencies can be fatal without treatment

Vitamin B7 (Biotin)Fun facts!

Some shampoos contain Biotin as a natural way to treat hair loss – sadly, Biotin is not absorbed well through the skin.

Biotin is used in the lab to study various processes including DNA transcription and replicationIts used to tag or bond to molecules that can then be extracted from a sample.

Margaret

B9 and B12 (Folate & Cobalamin)

B9 (Folate)


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Folic_acid_structure.svg

• B9 is also known as folate, folacin, or in its synthetic form, as folic acid.

• Derived from the Latin word folium, “leaf.”

B9 (Folate)


• Folate acts as a coenzyme in DNA synthesis and thus is essential to the healthy division of cells.

• Folate aids in the metabolism of amino acids, and is vital to the metabolism of homocysteine.

• Folate is especially needed during periods of rapid cell division, particularly during the first few weeks of pregnancy.

• Folate is crucial for healthy neural development of infants during the first weeks after conception (even before the mother knows she is pregnant!)

B9 (Folate)


Folate is not synthesized in the human body, and thus must be consumed on a daily basis.

B9 (Folate)


Food Micrograms (µg) per serving

Fortified Breakfast cereals variable

Cowpeas (blackeyes), cooked, ½ cup 105

Spinach, cooked, ½ cupSpinach, raw, 1 cup

10060

Other legumes and green vegetables such as asparagus, green peas, broccoli, romaine, and avocado are good sources of folate as well.

B9 (Folate)


For men and women 19 years and older:• 400 µg

For pregnant women:• 600 µg

For lactating women:• 500 µg

Toxicity can occur when consuming excessive amounts of folic acid, but the most significant danger is that it can make it difficult to detect B12 deficiency

B9 (Folate)


Symptoms of folate deficiency may include: diarrhea, loss of appetite, sore tongue, headaches, heart palpitations, irritability, forgetfulness, and behavioral disorders.

Most Americans do not consume adequate levels of folate, but those particularly at risk for deficiency are pregnant and lactating women, alcohol abusers, those on dialysis, with liver disease, malabsorption, and certain anemias.

Pregnant women who have low folate levels in their blood are more likely to give birth to babies with neural tube defects, have low birth weight babies and to miscarry during the first months of pregnancy.

Prolonged deficiency of folic acid can lead to elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood, which has been correlated with an elevated risk for cardiovascular disease. Some evidence links low levels of folate with depression.

B9 (Folate)


Folate is great!

It is so great that in 1998 the United States government began to require food makers to

fortify refined grain products to make sure that all women of childbearing age consume adequate

amounts of folate. Since then, the rate of neural tube defects in infants has dropped by 25%!

B12 (Cobalamin)


• Vitamin B12, aka cobalamin, aka cyanocobalamin, aka C63H88CoN14O14P

• B12 is the most chemically complex of all the vitamins.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:VitaminB12.png

B12 (Cobalamin)


•Vitamin B12 is bound to protein in food

•Hydrochloric acid in the stomach releases B12 from the proteins during digestion.

•In the duodenum, B12 combines with intrinsic factor (IF), which is a protein secreted by the parietal cells of the stomach.

•The B12-IF complex is absorbed in the ileum.

•B12 helps to maintain healthy nerve cells because it helps to maintain the sheath that coats nerve fibers.

•B12, along with B6 and folate, is essential to break down homocysteine.

B12 (Cobalamin)


• B12 cannot be synthesized by animals or plants. Only bacteria and archaea possess the enzymes required. This bacteria, however, can be found in animals

B12 (Cobalamin)


Food Micrograms (µg) per serving

Mollusks, clams, 3 ounces (cooked) 84.1

Fortified breakfast cereals Variable

Salmon, 3 ounces (cooked) 4.9

Cheeseburger, double patty, 1 sandwich 1.9

Milk, 1 cup 0.9

Chicken breast, ½ breast 0.3

B12 (Cobalamin)


For men and women 19 years and older:

o2.4 µg

For pregnant women:

o2.6 µg

For lactating women:

o2.8 µg

Western diets typically supply 5 to 15 (µg/day). In addition, humans typically maintain a large vitamin B12 reserve that may last anywhere from two to five years.

B12 (Cobalamin)


• Strict vegetarians are at risk due to nutritional deficiency.

• People over 50 years of age, alcoholics, those with gastrointestinal disorders, or those with pernicious anemia are at risk due to poor absorption.

•Symptoms of B12 deficiency include anemia, fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss, depression, confusion, soreness in the mouth or tongue, and dementia.

•Neurological symptoms may include numbness and tingling in the hands and feet.

• B12 deficiency can also be associated with elevated levels of homocysteine

• B12 deficiency can be treated with deep subcutaneous injections. Treatment can assuage physical symptoms, but neurological damage can be permanent, and cognitive function may not return to normal.

B12 (Cobalamin)


• One form of B12 (hydroxycobalamin) can be used as a treatment for cyanide poisoning.

• Hydroxycobalamin binds with the toxic cyanide ion, resulting in a harmless B12 complex. It is then excreted in the urine.

Documents

B Vitamins: B 1 and B 2 (Thiamin & Riboflavin) Elena