What is Vitamin B12?
The largest and structurally the most complex vitamin, vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is involved in the metabolic activities in every cell of the human body. There are four near-structural forms in which this vitamin exists. Vitamin B12’s role in the production of red blood cells, nerve tissue health and brain function is of crucial nature. This vitamin is known by the name of Cobalamin as well.
Definition
Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that has a critical role to play in keeping our body’s cells and nerves healthy, as well as helps in making the DNA. Its deficiency can lead to disruptions in the nervous and circulatory systems.
Chemical & Physical Features
IUPAC name: cobalt(3+);[(2R,3S,4R,5S)-5-(5,6-dimethylbenzimidazol-1-yl)-4-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)oxolan-3-yl] [(2R)-1-[3-[(1R,2R,3R,5Z,7S,10Z,12S,13S,15Z,17S,18S,19R)-2,13,18-tris(2-amino-2-oxoethyl)-7,12,17-tris(3-amino-3-oxopropyl)-3,5,8,8,13,15,18,19-octamethyl-2,7,12,17-tetrahydro-1H-corrin-24-id-3-yl]propanoylamino]propan-2-yl] hydrogen phosphate; cyanide
Synonyms: Cobalamin, Eritron, Cyanocobalamin
CAS: 68-19-9
Molecular formula: C63H89CoN14O14P+
Molecular weight: 1356.4
Form: Dark red crystals or crystalline powder of the same shade
Solubility: Soluble in alcohol; insoluble in acetone and chloroform
Brand names
Some of the brand names featuring vitamin B12 include Nascobal, Athlete, Calomist, Cobex, and Cobalamin.
Vitamin B12 vs Cyanocobalamin
There are two common sources of vitamin B12 from which it is derived. These are Cyanocobalamin and Methylcobalamin. There is a lot of structural similarity between these two, both contain a cobalt ion surrounded by a corrin ring. However, the difference between these two molecules lies in the conjugated molecule. As you can guess from the name, it is methyl group in the case of Methylcobalamin while a cyanide molecule is attached to the cobalt ion in the case of Cyanocobalamin. It is worth mentioning here that Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic form of vitamin B12 while Methylcobalamin is a naturally existing form of vitamin B12.
Vitamin B12 Forms and Specifications
Vitamin B12 API Powder
This is the raw material for synthesizing Cyanocobalamin. Available in crimson crystalline or crystal form, it is a flavourless and tasteless substance. Hygroscopic by nature, the API powder decomposes easily when exposed to sunlight. The raw powder is used to manufacture vitamin B12 supplements.
Vitamin B12 Injections
The injection form of Cyanocobalamin is used for fighting the vitamin B12 deficiency disorder. The injection is either injected into a muscle or under the skin, the manner of injection depends on the doctor’s directives. For conditions like pernicious anemia, vitamin B12 injections may be administered on a long-term on monthly basis. However, the exact dosage depends on a patient’s medical condition. Normally, these injections are effective for rare inherited conditions like vitamin B12 deficiency and the deficiency that arises during life.
Vitamin B12 Tablets
Vitamin B12 supplements are commonly available in the form of tablets and capsules. These tablets come with all the key benefits associated with vitamin B12 consumption and help prevent conditions like megaloblastic anemia.
Vitamin B12 Sublingual
Taking vitamin B12 under the tongue has a better absorption rate as compared to the intramuscular injections we have discussed in the previous sections of this discussion. This is a better option for patients who suffer from conditions like pernicious anemia. It is pertinent to mention here that the Cyanocobalamin sublingual tablets are most effective when taken with a meal.
Mechanism of action of Vitamin B12
Cyanocobalamin has the potential to stimulate reticulocytes, the immature red blood cells. This is how this vitamin plays its role in the process of haematopoiesis. It works in combination with folic acid to produce ribonucleotides and has a key role to play in the synthesis of proteins as well. By keeping the SH groups in a reduced form which then initiates many enzymatic reactions, Vitamin B12 plays an important part in carbohydrate and fat metabolism.
Vitamin B12 manufacturing process
The form of vitamin B12 produced at an industrial level is known as Cyanocobalamin. It is produced by the process of microbial fermentation. The submerged culture technique is used to produce vitamin B12 in three-five days. The process uses glucose as the main carbon source, key microorganisms used in the process include Streptomyces griseu and Streptomyces olivaceus.
Vitamin B12 Benefits
Vitamin B12 Benefits for Hair
Vitamin B12 facilitates the process of healthy hair growth by helping in the formation of red blood cells. These oxygen-rich blood cells carry oxygen to hair follicles.
Vitamin B12 Benefits for Men
It helps in averting neurological problems and blood diseases in men. About 2.4 micrograms of vitamin B12 is an ideal dosage for men.
Vitamin B12 Benefits Immune System
Because vitamin B12 can act as an immunomodulator for cytotoxic cells of the natural killer cell system in our immune hierarchy, its role in benefitting the immune system cannot be ignored.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Dementia Cognitive Impairment
Some studies suggest that extremely low levels of vitamin B12 can lead to an increased risk of dementia.
Vitamin B12 Dosage
For people aged over 14, the recommend daily intake for vitamin B12 is 2.4 mcg. However, this dosage can vary from person to person since it is determined by several factors like age and medical condition for example.
Vitamin B12 Side Effects
Some of the side effects associated with vitamin B12 over-consumption include mild diarrhea, itching, and dizziness.
Vitamin B12 API Price
The estimated price of vitamin B12 API per KG is estimated at 2778 USD. However, it can vary from country to country, depending on different factors.
Vitamin B12 API Manufacturers in China
Below are some active pharmaceutical ingredients suppliers in China.
North China Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
A leading manufacturer in the world of pharmaceuticals, North China Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd has been producing premium quality API since 1953. Vitamin B12 is one of its specialties.
Hebei Yuxing Bio-Engineering Co., Ltd.
This is another supplier of vitamin B12 API in China that provides premium quality active pharmaceutical ingredients at competitive prices.
Pharmasources intro to find more suppliers
Craving for more? At pharmasources, you can search for hundreds of suppliers and manufacturers of vitamin B12 API in China, all of which are producing premium pharmaceutical grade Cyanocobalamin, Learn more about their modus operandi at pharmasources.
FAQ
What is the market size of vitamin B12?
The global vitamin B12 Market is projected to reach USD 409.7 Million by 2027.
References
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/expert-answers/alzheimers/faq-20057895#:~:text=Some%20studies%20suggest%20low%20vitamin,part%20of%20a%20healthy%20diet.
https://www.webmd.com/diet/vitamin-b12-deficiency-symptoms-causes#1
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Vitamin-B12#section=General-Manufacturing-Information
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/methylcobalamin-vs-cyanocobalamin#synthetic-vs-natural
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/219822#benefits
https://www.fengchengroup.com/vitamins-and-derivatives/vitamins/cyanocobalamin-raw-material-vitamin-b12-cas.html
https://www.menshealth.com/uk/nutrition/a758962/5-reasons-you-need-vitamin-b12-in-your-life/#:~:text=Your%20body%20can't%20make,replenish%20your%20levels%20each%20day.
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