Essential for nerves and red blood cells, absent from plant-based foods.
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is a water-soluble vitamin essential for the formation of red blood cells, nerve myelination, and DNA synthesis. It is only found in animal products.
Vitamin B12 requires intrinsic factor for absorption. Vegetarians are at high risk of deficiency because it is absent from the plant kingdom (except for algae in insufficient quantities). Deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia and irreversible neurological damage.
Synthesis of red blood cells, myelination of nerves, homocysteine metabolism, DNA synthesis.
RDA: 4µg/day. Vegetarians: mandatory supplementation. Screening after 60 years (reduced absorption).
Vitamin B12 is the critical nutrient for vegetarians — supplementation is non-negotiable.
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