Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is most commonly associated with the nervous system and the production of blood cells. Interestingly, vitamin B12, in comparison to other daily vitamins, has the most complex chemical structure and is the largest. It is water soluble, meaning excess amounts are typically easily removed through a filtering process and excreted in the urine. Due to this fact, overdosing on vitamin B12 causing toxic effects is rare.

Vitamin B12 and Methionine Synthase

The presence of the cobalt ion contained by vitamin B12 makes it unique in comparison to other vitamins. Vitamin B12 is necessary for the production of methylcobalmin (cobalmin derived from cobalt). This methylcobalmin is a necessary cofactor to the enzyme methionine synthase. The presence of methionine synthase is necessary for the production of the amino acid methionine.

Methionine

Methionine, as an amino acid, is necessary for all biological systems and functioning. Amino acids are the building blocks necessary for DNA. You are made of DNA, as DNA contains all of the necessary coding inherited from your parents. Methionine also plays an role in methylation. The methylation of DNA is currently being used for many research purposes.

The chemical modification of DNA methylation is accomplished without changing the genetic code and is not a permanent alteration. Due to this fact, methylation is commonly used by the body to regulate transcription (transferring DNA information to RNA) levels, as the addition and subtraction of methyl groups is achieved relatively simply with only a low energy cost.

Vitamin B12: Disease Prevention and Treatment

Vitamin B12 is associated with several different medical conditions. While correlations exist between vitamin B12 and the prevention or treatment of some medical conditions, more scientific research is necessary for conclusive evidence.

Vitamin B12 Supplementation

Multivitamins are known as supplements for a reason. The term supplement is defined as; to complete, in addition to, to reinforce or extend a whole. That is exactly how multivitamins should be used, in addition to a healthy diet and lifestyle. The use of particular supplements, such as B12, or the use of a multivitamin, containing many of the required daily vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids, is not to correct an unhealthy lifestyle and dietary choices. Rather, these supplements should be used to reinforce and ensure that the daily recommended amounts have been adequately fulfilled.

Find a good source of Vitamin B12 here.

Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vitamin-B12/NS_patient-vitaminb12
http://www.webmd.com/diet/vitamin-b12-15239
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins/vitaminB12/
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?r=2&q=supplement