Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin.
Water-soluble vitamins are stored in the body in very limited
amounts and are excreted through the urine. Therefore, it is a
good idea to have them in your daily diet. Vitamin B12, the most
complex of the vitamins, contains the metal cobalt, in its
structure. Vitamin B12’s functions include the following: |Age
Group (in years)|| Recommended Dietary Allowance Most diets
provide adequate B12; deficiency is often a result of absorption
problems. In the stomach's acidic environment and through the
action of the enzyme pepsin, vitamin B12 is released from food.
People who do not have enough stomach acid (such as those taking
strong acid-neutralizing medications) may not be able to
separate B12 from food. People with this problem, however,
absorb B12 supplements without difficulty. Two proteins are also
important for the vitamin's absorption and transport: intrinsic
factor (IF) and R proteins. A B12 deficiency can result if there
are any problems with