Vitamin B12 plays a particularly important role in our diet. Vitamin B6 regulates our metabolism, but hardly any other vitamin has such a strong influence on our well-being and physical performance as vitamin B12.
In this article, we will explain why this is the case and how the water-soluble vitamin works. In addition, we look at which foods contain it and how much vitamin B12 is part of a balanced diet.
What exactly is vitamin B12/cobalamin?
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is one of the water-soluble vitamins. It is involved in cell renewal and numerous metabolic processes and is therefore vital.
There are active and inactive forms of cobalamin, vitamin B12. Holo TC refers to the active form of the vitamin. Only Holo TC can be absorbed as an active form by all cells of the body.
The inactive forms, on the other hand, are sometimes produced for the production of vitamin supplements. This could be suitable in the case of a vitamin B12 deficiency.
If you often feel exhausted, energyless, or weak, this may indicate a lack of vitamin B12. This can be the result of an unbalanced or unhealthy diet. However, diseases of the intestinal tract, such as Crohn's disease, should not be excluded as a cause.
Why can't humans produce vitamin B12 themselves?
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is produced by microorganisms such as bacteria or algae. This process is made possible by the intrinsic factor inherent in mammals.
However, many people also carry the necessary bacteria in the large intestine. However, this is of no use: even if vitamin B12 is produced in your own intestinal tract, the absorption of B12 via the intestinal mucosa does not work. Consequently, it is not absorbed by the body and, like many other substances – such as vitamin C – must be supplied via the diet or in the form of supplements – special vitamin B12 preparations.
The effect of vitamin B12 on the human body
Vitamin B12 takes on some central functions in the human body, partly in interaction with other substances, such as folate (artificially produced: folic acid, as they may contain dietary supplements). An intake in sufficient quantities is therefore vital. Vitamin B12
- is essential in the formation of red blood cells that transport vital oxygen,
- strengthens the nerves and promotes concentration, which contributes to a normal function of the nervous system,
- supports the supply of energy in the human body and thus contributes to normal energy metabolism.
The water-soluble vitamin also plays a crucial role in protein and fat metabolism as well as the renewal of cells.
A balanced intake of vitamin B12 is therefore essential. But can we eat too much or too little of it? If this is the case and how you can prevent a vitamin B12 deficiency, you will find out below.
Vitamin B12 – Function and Health Benefits
Vitamin B12 has an extremely important function in the human body. Vitamin B12 is involved in the metabolism of fatty acids and amino acids – including together with folate/folic acid. In addition, it supports blood formation, especially that of red blood cells, nerve function, and cell division, and is involved in homocysteine metabolism.
Vitamin B12 contributes to normal psychological function and the normal functioning of the nervous system. In addition, vitamin B12 contributes to normal energy metabolism. 1 Vitamin B12 also has the function of breaking down fatty acids and amino acids as a coenzyme. Thus, it helps in the conversion and transfer of metabolic products that are important for energy production.
