Definition Vitamin B12 is an essential water-soluble vitamin. There are several forms of vitamin B12 that contain the mineral cobalt. Another name for vitamin B12 is cobalamins. Two types active in humans are methylcobalamin and 5-deoxyadenosylcobalamin. Vitamin B12 is bound to protein in animal foods. Vitamin B12 is released in the stomach by gastric protease and hydrochloric acid. Synthetic vitamin B12 in dietary supplements is in its free form and does not require separation. Free vitamin B12 combines with intrinsic factors in the stomach and absorbed from the small intestine into the bloodstream. About 55% of a 1 microgram oral dose is absorbed. Absorption depends on the availability of intrinsic factors. The amount of vitamin B12 absorption also depends on other factors like the use of protein pump inhibitors for acid reflux and heartburn. Reasons why vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin Essential vitamins are vitamins your body can't make that must come from your diet....
Here you will get valuable information regarding nutrition, biology, physiology and how to keep yourself healthy by taking proper diet and exercise. I have done Master's in Food and Nutrition, and now I am sharing my knowledge through my blogs.