Adenosylcobalamin is a form of vitamin B12 found in animal-derived foods and plays a crucial role in blood production, brain and nerve function. Synthetic forms are used in supplements, particularly for those with a deficiency, such as vegans, pregnant women, and the elderly. Low levels of vitamin B12 can cause serious damage, and supplements should be taken under medical supervision.
Adenosylcobalamin is one of the two active forms of vitamin B12. It plays an essential role in the production of blood and the maintenance of normal brain and nerve function in the human body. Also known as cobamamide or dibencozide, adenosylcobalamin occurs naturally in animal-derived types of foods such as fish, meat, eggs, and milk. Vitamin B12 is commercially synthesized for use as a dietary supplement through a bacterial enzyme production process. A deficiency of adenosylcobalamin can cause a variety of disorders in humans, including pernicious anemia, infections, fatigue, and depression.
Vitamin B12 is actively present in the human body in the form of adenosylcobalamin and methylcobalamin. This complex vitamin is an important dietary component and plays a critical role in several essential biological functions. These include cellular metabolism, DNA synthesis, energy and blood production, fatty acid synthesis, and healthy brain and nervous system function. Adenosylcobalamin occurs naturally in various types of animal-derived foods such as eggs, milk, meat, and fish. Synthetic forms of the vitamin are produced from bacterial enzymes and include cyanocobalamin and hydroxocobalamin.
These synthetic variants form the basis of essential vitamin B12 supplements for those with diets deficient in the substance. Vitamin B12 supplements are of particular value to groups such as vegans whose diets exclude animal products typically rich in vitamin B12. Other groups that may benefit from taking supplements include ex-smokers, the elderly, and those suffering from anemia, HIV, tinnitus, bursitis, and hives. Pregnant women often suffer from vitamin B12 deficiencies and can also benefit from taking adenosylcobalamin as a supplement.
Maintaining adequate levels of the vitamin is an important factor for those whose dietary intake or pre-existing medical conditions place them at risk of deficiency. Low levels of the vitamin in the body can cause serious and irreversible damage, and even small fluctuations in vitamin B12 levels can have serious side effects. These include memory impairment, depression, chronic fatigue, and even symptoms of psychosis. Adenosylcobalamin deficiency can also lead to fibrous sclerosis of nerve tissue. However, the most common vitamin B12 deficiency syndrome is Biermans disease or pernicious anemia.
Vitamin B12 is available as a tablet or as an injection and is also used to fortify many foods, such as breakfast cereals. The recommended dietary reference intake of vitamin B12 for adults is between 2 and 3 micrograms per day. The recommended dose for women during pregnancy and lactation is 2.6 and 2.8 micrograms per day, respectively. Adenosylcobalamin has a very low toxicity index and allergic reactions are rare. However, a doctor should be consulted before taking it as a supplement.
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