Vitamin B12 – Cobalamin

B12 contains a mineral, cobalamin, and is sometimes referred to as cyanocobalamin. The test is run on serum, usually in conjunction with folate (folic acid). B12 is a water-soluble vitamin. It is necessary for DNA and red blood cell synthesis, new cell growth, maintenance of nervous tissue, and glucose metabolism. It is also one of the vitamins (along with B6 and folate) essential to convert homocysteine back to methionine. Decreased levels can cause anemia (pernicious anemia), fatigue, irritability, loss of appetite, labored breathing, constipation, heart palpitations, headache, and “sore tongue.” Some congenital defects have been linked to low B12 levels.

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