Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
Vitamin B12 fulfils a number of important functions in the body. Among other things, it can help to reduce tiredness and fatigue and maintain a normal energy metabolism. It contributes to the normal functioning of the psyche, immune and nervous systems, supports the formation of red blood cells and is beneficial for normal homocysteine metabolism. The body also needs vitamin B12 for cell division. Vitamin B12 acts as a so-called coenzyme in the body, meaning it is necessary for certain enzymes in our body to fulfil their tasks. The associated reactions are directly dependent on vitamin B12 and cannot take place without the vitamin.
Natural and Bioactive Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) exists in various chemical forms, each with different roles in the body. The natural forms of vitamin B12 that are directly active in the body are referred to as "bioactive coenzymes." Synthetic forms of vitamin B12, such as the commonly used cyanocobalamin, do not have direct vitamin activity and must be converted by the body into a usable form.
Adenosylcobalamin
Adenosylcobalamin is one of the 2 natural bioactive coenzymes of vitamin B12, which can be utilised directly by the body without conversion and therefore has excellent bioavailability.
Adenosylcobalamin is the dominant form of vitamin B12 in our organs and tissues; it is also the form through which vitamin B12 is stored in our liver. It is a particularly natural source of vitamin B12 for humans because it is the most common form of B12 found in food and it is also produced by bacteria in our intestinal flora.
Adenosylcobalamin acts in the mitochondria – the "powerhouse" of our cells – as part of the citric acid cycle, which is the essential metabolic cycle process of producing energy. The citric acid cycle supplies not only energy, but also substances necessary for many other functions in our bodies.
According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA):
Vitamin B12 contributes to:
- Normal energy-yielding metabolism
- Normal functioning of the nervous system
- Normal homocysteine metabolism
- Normal psychological function
- Normal red blood cell formation
- The normal function of the immune system
- The reduction of tiredness and fatigue
- Vitamin B12 has a role in the process of cell division
