Cyanocobalamin is considered the most potent vitamin and
is one of the last true vitamins that has been classified. The vitamin was
discovered through studies of pernicious anemia, a condition that begins
with a megaloblastic anemia and leads to an irreversible degeneration of
the central nervous system. Scientists found that this condition could be
reversed by feeding afflicted patients large amounts of raw liver. The
active material in the liver was later found to be vitamin B-12, but it is
present only in very small concentrations, so many years passed before
enough was isolated for serious investigations. Cyanocobalamin is a very
unusual biochemical that contains a tetrapyrrole ring system, called a corrin
ring, that is chemically very similar to the porphyrin ring system of the
heme compounds. Contained within the corrin ring, at the coordination
point, is a cobalt ion that is associated with a cyanide ion and a
dimethylbenzimidazole nucleotide. Vitamin B-12 functions to provide a
methyl group that is used in the synthesis of a number of products during
biochemical reactions. Clinically, cyanocobalamin works to promote normal
growth and development, helps with certain types of nerve damage, and
treats pernicious anemia. This vitamin is not available from plant sources
(vegetarians beware!), but animal sources include beef, liver, blue
cheese, eggs, fish, milk, and milk products. Vegetarians are advised to
take vitamin B12 supplements. Symptoms associated with a deficiency of
vitamin B-12 are primarily those of pernicious anemia.
Recommended Dietary Allowances: Men = 6 mcg; Women = 4
mcg; Pregnant Women = 2.2 mcg
IMPORTANCE:
Helps in the formation & regeneration of red
blood cells, thus helping prevent anemia
necessary for carbohydrate, fat & protein
metabolism
Cyanocobalamin is considered the most potent vitamin and
is one of the last true vitamins that has been classified. The vitamin was
discovered through studies of pernicious anemia, a condition that begins
with a megaloblastic anemia and leads to an irreversible degeneration of
the central nervous system. Scientists found that this condition could be
reversed by feeding afflicted patients large amounts of raw liver. The
active material in the liver was later found to be vitamin B-12, but it is
present only in very small concentrations, so many years passed before
enough was isolated for serious investigations. Cyanocobalamin is a very
unusual biochemical that contains a tetrapyrrole ring system, called a corrin
ring, that is chemically very similar to the porphyrin ring system of the
heme compounds. Contained within the corrin ring, at the coordination
point, is a cobalt ion that is associated with a cyanide ion and a
dimethylbenzimidazole nucleotide. Vitamin B-12 functions to provide a
methyl group that is used in the synthesis of a number of products during
biochemical reactions. Clinically, cyanocobalamin works to promote normal
growth and development, helps with certain types of nerve damage, and
treats pernicious anemia. This vitamin is not available from plant sources
(vegetarians beware!), but animal sources include beef, liver, blue
cheese, eggs, fish, milk, and milk products. Vegetarians are advised to
take vitamin B12 supplements. Symptoms associated with a deficiency of
vitamin B-12 are primarily those of pernicious anemia.
