B12 1mg/ml 10ml

🔬 Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) — Overview

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an essential water-soluble vitamin required for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, neurological function, and methylation pathways. It is unique among vitamins for containing a central cobalt atom within a corrin ring structure. Vitamin B12 exists in several biologically relevant forms used in research and clinical settings.

📌 Brief Functional Description

• Methylation & DNA synthesis: Acts as a cofactor for methionine synthase, supporting one-carbon metabolism and DNA replication.
• Neurological support: Essential for myelin synthesis and nerve function.
• Hematologic function: Required for proper red blood cell maturation; deficiency leads to megaloblastic anemia.
• Energy metabolism: Indirectly supports mitochondrial function through amino-acid and fatty-acid metabolism.
• Research relevance: Studied in neurology, hematology, metabolism, and nutritional biochemistry.

🧪 Chemical & Structural Information

🔢 CAS Number

• 68-19-9 (cyanocobalamin)
  (Other forms have distinct CAS numbers)

🧬 Molecular Formula

• C₆₃H₈₈CoN₁₄O₁₄P (cyanocobalamin)

⚖️ Molecular Weight

• ≈1,355.4 g/mol (Da)

🧬 Forms of Vitamin B12

• Cyanocobalamin – stable, commonly used in supplements and research
• Methylcobalamin – active coenzyme form in cytosolic methylation reactions
• Adenosylcobalamin – active mitochondrial coenzyme form
• Hydroxocobalamin – long-acting injectable form used clinically

🧬 Chemical Structure & Composition

• Vitamin B12 contains:
  • A corrin ring (similar to porphyrins but less rigid)
  • A central cobalt ion (Co³⁺)
  • A variable upper axial ligand (cyano-, methyl-, adenosyl-, or hydroxo- group)
• This structure enables reversible redox and ligand exchange chemistry essential for enzymatic activity.

General structural description:

Cobalt-containing corrin-ring vitamin with interchangeable axial ligands 

🧠 Mechanism & Biological Context

• Vitamin B12 functions as a coenzyme in two critical reactions:
  • Conversion of homocysteine to methionine (methylation cycle)
  • Conversion of methylmalonyl-CoA to succinyl-CoA (mitochondrial metabolism)
• These reactions link B12 directly to DNA synthesis, neurological integrity, and cellular energy pathways.
• Absorption requires intrinsic factor and proper gastrointestinal function, making deficiency multifactorial.

⚠️ Safety & Regulatory Notes

• Essential nutrient: Vitamin B12 is required for life and generally exhibits very low toxicity.
• Clinical and injectable forms: Widely used in medical settings; regulatory status depends on formulation and route.
• Deficiency risk is higher in cases of malabsorption, vegetarian/vegan diets, gastric surgery, or certain medications.

🧪 Quick Reference