Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, is a polycyclic compound containing trivalent cobalt. Four reduced pyrrole rings are connected together to form a corrin macrocycle (similar to porphyrin). It is currently The largest and most complex vitamin molecule ever discovered, and the only one containing metal elements. Vitamin B12 is a red crystalline powder, odorless and tasteless, soluble in water, insoluble in ethanol, and insoluble in acetone, chloroform and ether. It is most stable under weak acid conditions with a pH value of 4.5 to 5.0, strong acid (pH<2) or alkaline solutions It decomposes moderately and may be damaged to a certain extent when exposed to heat.
Plants do not contain VB12 and cannot produce VB12. Liver is the best source of VB12, followed by milk, meat, eggs, fish, etc. Vitamin B12 in nature is synthesized by microorganisms. Vitamin B12 is the only vitamin that requires the help of a gastric parietal cell secretion (endogenous factor) to be absorbed. It participates in the production of bone marrow red blood cells, prevents pernicious anemia, and prevents damage to brain nerves.
Application
1. Medical aspect
①For the treatment and prevention of vitamin B12 deficiency.
②For the prevention of gastrectomy or malabsorption syndrome, and anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency.
③ Used to supplement the increased demand for vitamin B12 caused by wasting diseases, hyperthyroidism, pregnancy, breastfeeding, etc.
④ Nutritional and pregnancy-induced anemia.
⑤ Anemia caused by Sparganum taeniasis.
⑥ Liver disorder and anemia.
⑦Leucopenia caused by radioactivity.
⑧Nerve pain, muscle pain, and joint pain.
⑨Peripheral neuritis, peripheral nerve paralysis.
⑩Myelitis, spinal cord degeneration.
2. Feed additives
①Slow growth and anemia in pigs and chickens caused by vitamin B12 deficiency;
② Endemic wasting disease in cattle and sheep in cobalt-deficient areas;
③Non-specific treatment for neuritis, neuralgia, etc.;
④Improve the utilization rate of feed protein;
⑤Raising of economic animals;
⑥ Treating fish eggs or fry with B12 solution can improve the fish’s tolerance to toxic substances in the water such as benzene and heavy metals.
3. Food additives
Can be used as food coloring agent: such as ham, sausage, ice cream, fish paste.
4. Daily chemical products
Used in cosmetics, soaps, toothpaste, etc., and can also be used in toilets, refrigerators, oral cavity, etc. to deodorize and eliminate the odor of sulfides and aldehydes.