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What are the functions and roles of vitamin B12?

Sep 15, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, vitamin B12, an essential water-soluble vitamin for the human body, functions primarily in maintaining nervous system health, promoting red blood cell production, participating in energy metabolism, assisting DNA synthesis, and supporting cardiovascular health. Daily intake of vitamin B12 mainly relies on animal-based foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products.

Under normal circumstances, vitamin B12, as an essential water-soluble vitamin for the human body, has multiple functions including maintaining nervous system health, promoting red blood cell production, participating in energy metabolism, assisting DNA synthesis, and protecting cardiovascular health. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Maintaining nervous system health: Vitamin B12 helps maintain the integrity of nerve myelin sheaths and promotes normal nerve signal transmission. Deficiency may lead to nerve damage, causing symptoms such as numbness in hands and feet, decreased memory, difficulty concentrating, and mood fluctuations.

2. Promoting red blood cell formation: Vitamin B12 is a key nutrient for the maturation and division of red blood cells. It participates in hemoglobin synthesis and supports the normal development of red blood cells. Deficiency can hinder red blood cell production, leading to megaloblastic anemia, characterized by fatigue, pale complexion, dizziness, and other symptoms.

3. Participating in energy metabolism: Vitamin B12 assists the body in converting fats and proteins from food into energy, providing power for bodily activities and organ function. Deficiency may impair energy conversion efficiency, resulting in fatigue, depression, and reduced physical stamina.

4. Assisting DNA synthesis: Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in cell division and growth by participating in DNA synthesis and repair, ensuring normal cell proliferation and renewal. Body tissue growth and wound healing require the involvement of vitamin B12, and deficiency may disrupt normal cellular metabolism.

5. Protecting cardiovascular health: Vitamin B12 helps reduce blood levels of homocysteine, elevated levels of which are a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. By regulating homocysteine levels, vitamin B12 can help protect vascular endothelial cells and reduce the risk of vascular damage.

Daily intake of vitamin B12 mainly relies on animal-based foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. Vegetarians or individuals with malabsorption issues should ensure adequate intake through appropriate supplementation, following scientific principles to avoid excessive or indiscriminate consumption.

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