What is the physiological function of vitamin b12

Vitamin B12 has many physiological functions. It can promote the biosynthesis of protein. If infants are deficient in it, it will affect their growth and development. Therefore, we must pay attention to correct supplementation to promote the development and maturation of red blood cells and eliminate irritability.

1. As a cofactor of methyltransferase, it participates in the synthesis of methionine, thymine, etc., such as converting methyltetrahydrofolate into tetrahydrofolate and transferring the methyl group to the methyl acceptor (such as homocysteine), making the methyl acceptor become a methyl derivative (such as methionine, i.e. methylhomocysteine). Therefore, vitamin B12 can promote the biosynthesis of protein, and its deficiency will affect the growth and development of infants and young children.

2. Protect the transfer and storage of folic acid within cells. When vitamin B12 is deficient, the folate content in human red blood cells is low and the folate storage in the liver is reduced. This may be related to the difficulty in transferring methyl groups from homocysteine ​​to methionine caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. The methyl groups accumulate in the cells, damaging the storage of tetrahydrofolate in the cells, because tetrahydrofolate has a strong tendency to combine with methyl groups to form methyltetrahydrofolate, which synthesizes polyglutamate.

3. Main functions

1. Promote methyl transfer

2. Promote the development and maturation of red blood cells, keep the body's hematopoietic function in a normal state, prevent pernicious anemia, and maintain the health of the nervous system

3. Existing in the form of coenzyme, it can increase the utilization of folic acid and promote the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins

4. It has the function of activating amino acids and promoting the biosynthesis of nucleic acids and proteins. It plays an important role in the growth and development of infants and young children.

5. Metabolize fatty acids so that fats, carbohydrates, and proteins can be properly used by the body

6. Eliminate restlessness, concentrate attention, enhance memory and sense of balance

7. It is an indispensable vitamin for the healthy function of the nervous system and participates in the formation of a lipoprotein in the nervous tissue.