Vitamin B12 belongs to the class of cobalamin substances. These are natural biocatalysts, with a lack of which all functions in the body collapse, as if by the effect of dominoes. It plays an important role in metabolism, general well-being, immunity, cell growth. Vitamin B12 is a complex compound consisting of several substances. Vitamin B12: what is it and what is it for, its formula and release form - all of this you will learn from this article.
Chemical formula and discovery history of a substance
Although the complete structural formula of vitamin B12 was not discovered until the 1960s, studies involving cyanocobalamin were isolated from a number of others by two Nobel Prizes.
At first, the discovery was honored with the Nobel Prize in 1934: food products (in particular, the liver, a source of cyanocobalamin, the formula of which has not yet been worked out by chemists) can be used to treat anemia. This discovery produced the effect of an exploding bomb in the scientific world at one time. After some time, almost forty chemists were awarded for the discovery of the chemical formula of vitamin B12. After that, for ten years, in-depth studies of the properties of this substance were carried out.
Vit B12 formula: C 63 H 88 CoN 14 O 14 P. The substance can exist in a variety of forms and conditions. The name of vitamin B12 is cyanocobalamin. That is what it is called in the instructions for use in the preparations.
The structural formula b12 is presented in the photo:
Body functions
The physiological role of cyanocobalamin:
- It affects the number of red blood cells produced, which makes its presence important for the composition and quality of blood.
- The production of white blood cells, which are necessary for the neutralization of harmful viruses and infections. Thus, cyanocobalamin directly affects the body's ability to resist external threats.
- Ensuring the healthy functioning of the central nervous system: prevents the development of neurotic conditions, anxiety. sleep problems, psychotic conditions.
- In men, cyanocobalamin directly affects the amount of sperm in the seminal fluid.
- At high dosages, it has a mild effect on blood pressure, lowering it. This fact allows the use of cyanocobalamin in the synthesis of drugs to increase pressure.
- Affects the amount of melatonin (the so-called sleep hormone) produced by the body.
- Stimulating the activity of the oxidative enzyme succinate dehydrogenase and preventing fatty infiltration of the liver, heart, spleen, and kidneys due to the lipotropic function of vitamin B12 (the formula of which is presented above).
- It is a precursor of succinic acid, which has a healing effect on many body systems (in particular, the liver) and is a powerful antioxidant.
- It accelerates the growth of hair and nails when taking high doses.
- Together with folic acid and vitamin C, it participates in metabolic processes, contributing to normal fat and carbohydrate metabolism (due to this it is effective in the treatment of endocrine disorders accompanied by obesity).
Signs of deficiency: what threatens the lack of cyanocobalamin?
Vitamin deficiency threatens the development of the following pathologies:
- megaloblastic anemia;
- paralysis with possible dysfunction of the internal organs;
- erosion and tears on the mucous membrane;
- decreased vision, cataract formation;
- alopecia (baldness) and hair growth arrest;
- pulse problems, arrhythmia, tachycardia;
- seborrheic and other dermatitis, acne;
- a reduced number of red blood cells, platelets;
- problems with the functioning of the liver;
- decrease in general and local immunity.
What lowers the concentration of cyanocobalamin in the blood?
The following eating habits and pathologies deliberately reduce the concentration of cyanocobalamin in the blood by half or more times:
- daily use of coffee and black tea;
- frequent abuse of alcoholic beverages;
- taking certain antibiotic and hormonal drugs;
- the abundance in the diet of garlic, onions, radish;
- lack of sunlight;
- eating only those products that have undergone prolonged heat treatment (frying, cooking, stewing).
Dietary supplement or drug: list of drugs with cyanocobalamin in the composition
Vitamin B12 - what is it? Is it a medicine or just an optional dietary supplement? In fact, this is one of the few vitamins that, in a certain concentration, is a medicine.
The injection drug “Cyanocobalamin”, intended for intramuscular administration, is a medicine and helps to prevent the development of many serious diseases. This is a pathology of the liver, cardiovascular system, problems with the psyche and functioning of the cardiovascular system.
As a prophylaxis, doctors recommend the following combined preparations, the content of which cyanocobalamin does not cause an overdose and saturates the body with this substance:
- "Supradin" in the form of dragees or effervescent tablets contains not only the daily norm of cyanocobalamin, but also the required amount of all other vitamins and minerals.
- “Pentovit” will help those who suffer from skin imperfections (dermatitis, acne, acne, urticaria, furunculosis), as it contains the entire set of B vitamins.
- "Perfectil" is a vitamin-mineral complex that contains cyanocobalamin in the recommended daily dose. Effectively increases vitality, gives vitality. Positive effect on appearance: accelerates hair growth, improves skin condition.
- "Neuromultivitis" is a complex in one tablet of which contains the whole complex of B vitamins in a high therapeutic dosage. The drug is prescribed orally or intramuscularly in order to improve neural connections and prevent the development of nervous diseases.
Cyanocobalamin and appearance: effect on the condition of the skin and hair
Reviews on the Internet eloquently confirm the fact that regular intake of cyanocobalamin affects hair growth. This applies not only to the scalp, but also to eyelashes, eyebrows. Such an effect can only have vitamin B12.
The formula, which is most effectively absorbed by the body, is used in a drug packaged in ampoules for intramuscular administration. girls buy this form of the drug, and add the drug from ampoules to masks and shampoos for hair. This method of application provides a thick and luxurious appearance of hair.
The effect of vitamin on overall well-being
If the patient complains of apathy, chronic fatigue, constant irritation, unmotivated aggression, every second neurologist will write him a prescription for preparations of vitamins of group B. In some cases, these will be combined drugs, sometimes vitamins separately.
This list will definitely contain cyanocobalamin, thiamine, riboflavin and thiamine. This is the Golden Four of vitamins. In some cases, their action changes the patient’s eyes: he becomes alert, active, he has a good night's sleep and a taste for life.
Cyanocobalamin and central nervous system
Separately, it is worth mentioning the need for neurons in vitamin B12. The formula that is most effectively absorbed by the body is used in a drug packaged in ampoules for intramuscular administration. When taken orally, only 70-50% of cyanocobalamin is absorbed. The exact percentage of assimilation depends on the individual characteristics of each person.
With the constant filling of the lack of cyanocobalamin from the outside, when the possibility of at least partial lack of it is completely excluded, the patient changes before his eyes. People lose their spleen and bad mood. This action is due to the fact that vitamin B12 is a natural antidepressant, which, without intoxication and harm to other body systems, strengthens neural connections and helps restore recently dead neurons.
Vitamin B12 and its role in the metabolism and functioning of the endocrine system
Intramuscularly, cyanocobalamin is often prescribed to patients with endocrine pathologies that have led to overweight problems and abdominal obesity.
As part of complex therapy, cyanocobalamin affects the rate of carbohydrate and fat metabolism, contributes to faster and easier weight loss. Of course, one action of the vitamin will not be enough for a radical change in weight and appearance. It is just one of dozens of bricks, the construction of which determines the healthy functioning of the endocrine system of the human body.
Combination with other vitamins and medicines
Cyanocobalamin satisfactorily combines with almost all vitamins and minerals.
With the combined intake of vitamins B12 and B1, allergic reactions are possible. These are urticaria, itching, rash, swelling, nasal congestion, sore throat.
Neuropathologists usually prescribe injected cyanocobalamin in conjunction with pyridoxine - these vitamins combine perfectly and facilitate the assimilation of each other. Cyanocobalamin also complements folic acid.
Taking certain antibiotic and hormonal drugs can also inhibit the absorption of vitamin B12. Therefore, a competent doctor should prescribe a prescription and dosage for complex therapy. With the independent choice of medicines, the patient simply does not have enough professional knowledge to choose the medicine, and instead of benefit, he can do harm to himself. For self-administration, you can choose any ready-made vitamin-mineral complex, where a set of substances is already selected taking into account their compatibility.
A competent combination of cyanocobalamin with other vitamins and medicines is important for the full absorption and full benefit of the drug.