Vitamin+B12

Elsa Choi Block: E

**__Name and Structure__**

Cobalamin or Cyanocobalamin is commonly known as Vitamin B12. //Other names//: hydroxcobalamin, aquocobalamin, nitrotocobalamin, cyanocobalamin //Formula//: C68H88CoN14O14P //Systematic (IUPAC) name//: (5,6-dimethylbenzimidazolyl)cobaidcyanide

**__How it is Made__** It is one of the most complex Vitamins and is the only one to contain an inorganic element, cobalt. The only things capable of forming Vitamin B12 are microorganisms,yeasts, molds, algae and bacteria. No plant or animal is proved to be able to produce this, but they are still a source of it. Animals contain more Vitamin B12 than plants because of their ability to store it. Vitamin B12 can be found in meats, eggs, dairy products, fermented soy products and seaweeds.

**__How it affects u__****__s__** Vitamin B12 affects us all, whether it is in a positive or negative way. //Positive//s: It creates a healthy nervous system, forms red blood cells and it helps nerve cells develop properly. Vitamin B12 also aids in the growth and development in children and can prevent the rise of homocysteine, which is a factor or heart diseases. Not only does it help children, it can also help the elderly. It helps alleviate depression by making serotonin, which gives them a calm feeling of well being. Besides giving a calm feeling it also helps create melatonin for a good nights sleep. It also helps metabolize protein, carbohydrates and fat. //Negative//: When someone is Vitamin B12 deficient, it means they have abnormal cells, causing anemia. Some symptoms include: tiredness, breathlessness, a sore tongue and have a poor resistance to infections. Vitamin B12 was discovered by accident when scientists were trying to find a cure for the disease, pernicious anemia, and around the 1920's, raw liver and raw liver juices was the treatment. It wasn't until later that two scientists, George Minot and William Murphy, discovered what was in the liver that cured patients.They found that the liver tissues were what helped. With this information, Edwin Cohn was able to extract the important parts, so patients no longer had to take in large amounts of liver. In 1948, it was named cobalamin.
 * __Interesting Facts__**

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