Ingredient information: Vitamin B12
What is vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin. It contains cobalt. Several molecules are labeled as B12:
- Cyanocobalamin
- hydroxycobalamin
- methylcobalamin
- adenosylcobalamine
Vitamin B12 is one of the essential nutrients for the proper functioning of our body.
What are the properties of vitamin B12?
It is fairly stable in heat but is sensitive to light exposure and ultraviolet radiation.
Vitamin B12 is involved in the metabolism of vitamin B9, hence an interaction between these two vitamins.
Vitamin B12 deficiency leads to:
- anemia
- paresthesia
- digestive problems
- weight loss
- problems related to poor oxygen transport (fatigue, dyspnea)
- neurological disorders
- progressive demyelination in the brain and spinal cord
- motor disorders
- cognitive impairments (irritability, memory problems, mood disorders)
Vitamin B12 is found only in animal products. The risk of deficiency is significant for vegetarians and vegans.
However, it can be synthesized by microorganisms and used in food supplements compatible with these diets.
People following these diets are advised to supplement with vitamin B12, as are people with intestinal absorption disorders or who have undergone bariatric surgery.
In older people, the need is often poorly assessed; it is advisable to check for deficiencies by analyzing food intake or by testing.
Vitamin B12 is found primarily in:
- the liver
- kidneys
- the fish
- meats
- eggs
- dairy products and cheeses
The daily requirement for vitamin B12 is around 4µg/day.
What are the health claims for vitamin B12?
EFSA authorises the use of health claims for products containing vitamin B12.
They must provide a minimum of 0.38µg of vitamin B12 per 100g, 100ml or per portion.
Products meeting these criteria can claim to contribute to:
- At metabolism normal energy
- to the normal functioning of the nervous system
- At metabolism normal homocysteine
- to normal mental functions
- to the training of red blood cells
- to the reduction of fatigue
- to the normal functioning of the immune system
- to cell division
And what about Phytocea?
You can find vitamin B12 in our DTox .
DTox is a detox food supplement, formulated to help prevent damage caused by contact with food toxins and other pollutants.
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Contraindications and side effects
There are no side effects from taking vitamin B12 orally .