Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

Vitamin B12 is a threatening Subject for Vegans. There is no adequate Natural-Vegetable source for Vitamin B12. Using Fortified foods and Supplements are not a good-Natural way of solution. 

Vitamin B12 was discovered simultaneously by two research teams, one in the United States and one in England. It was the culmination of an intensive worldwide search for a compound that could effectively treat pernicious anemia.

During the 1930s, researchers around the world began trying to isolate the active ingredient in liver that contained its curative properties. The "antipernicious anemia factor" was believed to be a B vitamin. It was even given the name B12 long before it was isolated.

Testing was surprisingly slow. Patients were fed extracts of liver rather than the liver itself, but for some reason researchers could not measure the amount of vitamin B12 these liver extracts contained. They could only guess at the extracts' potency by measuring red blood cell growth in each patient's blood.

For years, Karl Folkers, an American chemist at a prominent pharmaceutical company, had been directing a research team that was working on the problem. In 1948, the group finally came up with a solution. They found they could measure the vitamin indirectly by measuring the growth rate of certain bacteria that needed vitamin B12 to grow. This system speeded the purification process of the vitamin enormously.
Pernicious anemia is a blood disorder in which red blood cells fail to develop normally. The steady decline of red blood corpuscles eventually leads to death. The disease was first described completely in 1849 by English physician Thomas Addison (1793-1860). Addison noted the typical symptoms included increasing weakness and pallor of the patient. This was accompanied by obesity (weight gain) rather than weight loss.

Vitamin B12 is a Discussion factor between Vegetarians and Non-vegetarians.

Some says Vegan-Vitamin B12 deficiency is a Myth:   

•  http://www.naturalnews.com/029531_vitamin_B12_vegan.html
• http://www.rawfoodexplained.com/why-we-should-not-eat-meat/its-a-lie-vegans-are-not-lacking-in-vitamin-b12.html
• http://thistimethisspace.com/2010/09/05/b12-a-myth-and-a-note-of-caution/

 The origin of vitamin B12 in nature appears to be microbial synthesis. It is synthesized by many bacteria but apparently not by yeasts or by most fungi. There is no convincing evidence that the vitamin is produced in tissues of higher plants or animals. Microbial synthesis of this vitamin in the alimentary tract is of considerable importance for animals.

Health Benefits

It helps in Cell maintenance, helps in DNA formation, Improves Stamina, reduces the level of Cholesterol, help in the treatment of Sickle Cell Anemia, Alzheimer's disease, Anemia and Breast cancer.

Amounts per Day

0-6 months: 400 nanograms
6-12 months: 500 nanograms
1-3 years: 900 nanograms
4-8 years: 1.2 micrograms
males 9-13 years: 1.8 micrograms
males 14 years and older: 2.4 micrograms
females 9-13 years: 1.8 micrograms
females 14 years and older: 2.4 micrograms
Pregnant females of any age: 2.6 micrograms
Lactating females of any age: 2.8 micrograms

Vitamin B12 Deficiencies

 dandruff, nervousness, decreased blood clotting, numbness in feet, decreased reflexes, paleness, depression, red tongue, difficulty in swallowing, sore tongue, fatigue, tingling in feet, heart palpitations, weakness, memory problems, weak pulse, menstrual problems etc.

Vitamin B12 Toxicities

No toxicity levels have been reported for vitamin B12, and no toxicity symptoms have been identified in scientific research studies. Even long-term studies, in which subjects have taken 1,000 micrograms of the vitamin on a daily basis for five years, have revealed no toxicity effects.

While not a consideration in the daily diet or in everyday supplementation of B12, it should be noted that in the case of some medical therapies involving injection of B12, allergic reactions have been reported.

Good Vegetable Sources

Plant products are practically devoid of B12. The vitamin B12 reported in higher plants in small amounts may result from synthesis by soil microorganisms, excretion of the vitamin onto soil, with subsequent absorption by the plant. Root nodules of certain legumes contain small quantities of vitamin B12.