Both B12 and methyl-THF are required for the methylation of homocysteine to methionine, while methionine is critical for the methylation of various biological molecules, including DNA. Low dietary consumption of B12 results in respectively
low serum levels
, which induce alterations in DNA synthesis.
Does B12 make DNA?
Vitamin B12 is an important vitamin that plays a vital role in many functions in your body. Including but not limited to red blood cell production,
DNA synthesis
and supporting nerve cell function.
What does B12 promote?
What is vitamin B12 and what does it do? Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps
keep your body's blood and nerve cells healthy
and helps make DNA, the genetic material in all of your cells. Vitamin B12 also helps prevent megaloblastic anemia, a blood condition that makes people tired and weak.
What vitamin is needed for production of DNA?
Folate works with
vitamin B12
to help form red blood cells. It is needed for the production of DNA, which controls tissue growth and cell function.
How does Vit B12 deficiency impair DNA synthesis?
In B12 deficiency, homocysteine cannot be converted to methionine, and thus, methyl-THF cannot be converted to THF. As a result,
homocysteine levels accumulate, and pyrimidine bases cannot be formed
, slowing down DNA synthesis and causing megaloblastic anemia.
Where does vitamin B12 come from naturally?
Sources of Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is naturally present in
foods of animal origin
, including fish, meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products [5]. In addition, fortified breakfast cereals and fortified nutritional yeasts are readily available sources of vitamin B12 that have high bioavailability [12,13].
Is it good to take vitamin B12 tablets?
When taken at appropriate doses,
vitamin B-12 supplements are generally considered safe
. While the recommended daily amount of vitamin B-12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms, higher doses have been found to be safe. Your body absorbs only as much as it needs, and any excess passes through your urine.
Can you take too much B12?
Since B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, it's generally considered safe, even at high doses.
No Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) has been established for B12
, due to its low level of toxicity. UL refers to the maximum daily dose of a vitamin unlikely to cause adverse side effects in the general population.
What medications should not be taken with B12?
Other medications can also interfere with your uptake of vitamin B12, possibly raising your risk for deficiency. These medications include
antacids and peptic ulcer medications
, cholesterol-lowering drugs, antiseizure medications, chemotherapy medications, the diabetes treatment glucophage (Metformin) and others.
How long does it take for B12 supplements to work?
B12 injections work quickly; they are the most effective way for your body to absorb Vitamin B12.
Within 48 to 72 hours
, your body will begin to make new red blood cells. For mild deficiencies, you may need two to three injections over several weeks to notice peak impact.
What are the 13 vitamins your body needs?
There are 13 essential vitamins —
vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and the B vitamins
(thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, B
6
, B
12
, and folate). Vitamins have different jobs to help keep the body working properly.
Is B12 required for DNA synthesis?
Thus, vitamin B-12 is
important for DNA synthesis
, regenerating methionine for protein synthesis and methylation, and preventing homocysteine accumulation (1).
Does folic acid make DNA?
Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate and it is found in supplements and in fortified food. It is important in periods of rapid cell growth and division such as pregnancy and infancy since it is essential for maintaining new cells and
to make DNA and RNA
.
Does B12 deficiency cause malabsorption?
enterocyte caused by severe vitamin B12-deficiency, which is rapidly corrected by giving vitamin B12. Binding of intrinsic factor by intrinsic factor anti- bodies secreted into the gastric juice or bacterial overgrowth of the small bowel may contribute to
the malabsorption
in some patients.
What are the neurological symptoms of B12 deficiency?
- vision problems.
- memory loss.
- pins and needles (paraesthesia)
- loss of physical co-ordination (ataxia), which can affect your whole body and cause difficulty speaking or walking.
How do you know if your B12 is low in a blood test?
When a B12 level is normal or low normal but a deficiency is still suspected, a healthcare practitioner may
order a methylmalonic acid (MMA) test
as an early indicator of B12 deficiency. A low B12 and/or folate level means that you have a deficiency.
