A study on cyanocobalamin insufficiency

Abstract

Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is an essential nutrient synthesized by microorganisms and found in foods such as dairy products, shellfish, and meat. Its bioavailability varies, with dairy products having higher absorption rates than meat and fish. The recommended daily intake ranges from 3.76 mcg to 5.94 mcg, depending on age and gender. Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis, nerve function, and red blood cell formation. Deficiency can result from inadequate dietary intake, malabsorption, or autoimmune conditions like pernicious anemia. Common deficiency symptoms include elevated homocysteine levels, neurological damage, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Management of vitamin B12 deficiency involves oral supplementation or intramuscular injections, depending on the cause, with vegetarians, elderly individuals, and patients with gastrointestinal disorders at higher risk.