Molecules, 19 (11), 19066-19077
Methylcobalamin serves as a cofactor for methionine synthase, an enzyme critical for DNA synthesis, neurotransmitter production, and homocysteine metabolism
not present in plants Daily requirement: ~ 23 g/day Body stores: 25 mg , mostly in the liver (sufficient for 25 years) Absorption Pathway : In the mouth/stomach: B12 is protein-bound in food Stomach acid and pepsin release B12 from food proteins B12 binds to haptocorrin (also called R-binder or transcobalamin I) secreted by salivary glands and gastric mucosa In the small intestine : In the duodenum , pancreatic proteases degrade haptocorrin Free B12 then binds to intrinsic factor (IF) , a glycoprotein secreted by gastric parietal cells The B12IF complex travels to the terminal ileum , where it binds to cubilin receptors and is absorbed via receptor-mediated endocytosis 1 In the enterocyte and bloodstream: Inside enterocytes, B12 dissociates from IF It binds to transcobalamin II (TCII) for systemic transport Only B12TCII complex (called holotranscobalamin ) is biologically active and taken up by tissues Storage and transport: B12 is stored in the liver (main site), but also in muscle Transcobalamin II transports active B12 to tissues
No vitamin can fully offset the damaging effects of excessive drinking
It works by slowing digestion, helping patients feel full longer, reducing hunger, and supporting healthier eating behaviors
avoid contamination during use Grade: For laboratory research and preparation use only
