INFORMATION ON VITAMIN B12 (METHYLCOBALAMIN)

Vitamin B12 is very important for brain and nerve function, DNA synthesis, as well as for the production of red blood cells. It also plays a role in cell division, helps to metabolise carbohydrates, fats and proteins, and contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, and homocysteine metabolism.

Vitamin B12 functions as a cofactor for two enzymes, methionine synthase and L-methylmalonyl-CoA mutase. Methionine synthase catalyzes the conversion of homocysteine to the essential amino acid methionine. Methionine is required for the formation of S-adenosylmethionine, a universal methyl donor for almost 100 different substrates, including DNA, RNA, proteins, and lipids. L-methylmalonyl-CoA mutase converts L-methylmalonyl-CoA to succinyl-CoA in the metabolism of propionate, a short-chain fatty acid.

Vitamin B12 also functions by making a substance called myelin, which covers nerve fibers and protects them. The myelin sheath does not develop properly or remain healthy without adequate methylcobalamin.