Normally The Body's Storage And Reutilization Of Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system, as well as in the formation of red blood cells. Unlike other vitamins, the body stores vitamin B12 for a long time, which means that deficiency is rare.
Where is Vitamin B12 Stored in the Body?
The liver is the primary storage site for vitamin B12 in the body. The liver can store up to 2-5 mg of vitamin B12, which is enough to last for several years. The kidneys and other tissues also store small amounts of vitamin B12.
How is Vitamin B12 Reutilized by the Body?
The body has a complex system for reutilizing vitamin B12. When vitamin B12 is absorbed from food, it binds to a protein called intrinsic factor, which is produced by the stomach. The vitamin B12-intrinsic factor complex then travels to the small intestine, where it is absorbed into the bloodstream.
Once in the bloodstream, vitamin B12 is transported to the liver, where it is stored until it is needed. When the body needs vitamin B12, it is released from the liver and travels to the bone marrow, where it is used in the formation of red blood cells. Vitamin B12 is also used in the brain and nervous system.
What Happens When the Body Doesn't Get Enough Vitamin B12?
Deficiency in vitamin B12 is rare, but it can happen. People who follow a strict vegan or vegetarian diet are at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency because the vitamin is primarily found in animal products. People with certain gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease, may also be at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency because their bodies may have trouble absorbing the nutrient.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, difficulty walking, and memory loss. If left untreated, vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to irreversible damage to the nervous system.
Conclusion
Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in the normal functioning of the body. The body stores vitamin B12 in the liver and other tissues for a long time, which means that deficiency is rare. The body has a complex system for reutilizing vitamin B12, which involves absorption in the stomach and small intestine, transport to the liver for storage, and release to the bone marrow, brain, and nervous system as needed. Deficiency in vitamin B12 is rare but can cause serious health problems if left untreated.