Vitamin B12 in health and disease.

Article Details

Citation

O'Leary F, Samman S

Vitamin B12 in health and disease.

Nutrients. 2010 Mar;2(3):299-316. doi: 10.3390/nu2030299. Epub 2010 Mar 5.

PubMed ID
22254022 [ View in PubMed
]
Abstract

Vitamin B(12) is essential for DNA synthesis and for cellular energy production.This review aims to outline the metabolism of vitamin B(12), and to evaluate the causes and consequences of sub-clinical vitamin B(12) deficiency. Vitamin B(12) deficiency is common, mainly due to limited dietary intake of animal foods or malabsorption of the vitamin. Vegetarians are at risk of vitamin B(12) deficiency as are other groups with low intakes of animal foods or those with restrictive dietary patterns. Malabsorption of vitamin B(12) is most commonly seen in the elderly, secondary to gastric achlorhydria. The symptoms of sub-clinical deficiency are subtle and often not recognized. The long-term consequences of sub-clinical deficiency are not fully known but may include adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes, vascular, cognitive, bone and eye health.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drugs
Drug Targets
DrugTargetKindOrganismPharmacological ActionActions
CyanocobalaminMethionine synthaseProteinHumans
Yes
Cofactor
Details
CyanocobalaminMethylmalonyl-CoA mutase, mitochondrialProteinHumans
Yes
Cofactor
Details
Drug Transporters
DrugTransporterKindOrganismPharmacological ActionActions
CyanocobalaminGastric intrinsic factorProteinHumans
Unknown
Substrate
Details
CyanocobalaminProtein amnionlessProteinHumans
Unknown
Substrate
Details