The Importance Of Vitamin B12
The amount of vitamin B12 required by the human body is relatively low, but the function it performs can not be ignored. The two most significant functions of vitamin B12 are cell division and the formation of red blood cells. The absorption of vitamin B12 within the body is a complicated process because it involves the release of some intrinsic stomach liquids, including stomach acids. Vitamin B12 is found naturally in many plant and animal sources. However, neither plants nor animals can directly synthesize this vitamin. Certain bacterium is capable of producing vitamin B12, and later adds them to plants. Animals become a source of vitamin B12 after they eat those plants.
Side Effects Of Vitamin B12
Scientific studies have found that vitamin B12 has very low potential for toxicity. This means that even if the vitamin is taken in excessive amounts it can not cause adverse effects. Even in high doses, oral vitamin B12 is well tolerated by the body. Very rarely are there reports of hypersensitive reactions such as urticaria, rash and pruritis, and these occur only in patients receiving parenteral vitamin B12. Those patients who experience hypersensitive reactions from parenteral supplementation may also have the same reaction from oral supplementation. It is advised that patients who are allergic to cobalamin or cobalt should not take vitamin B12.