Vitamin B12
Cobalamin, Dibencozide
Vitamin B12 and its deficiency syndrome, pernicious anaemia, was recognised and described as early as 1855. Vitamin B12 is a bright red crystalline compound because of its high content of cobalt. Vitamin B12 works with folic acid in many processes, including the synthesis of DNA, red blood cells, and the myelin sheath (surrounding nerve cells). Dibencozide is the coenzyme form of vitamin B12.
- ANXIETY / DEPRESSION - nervousness and anxiety may be associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause depression, especially in the elderly. Vitamin B12 is needed for the production of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), an essential coenzyme required for the manufacture of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. The supplementation of folic acid and vitamin B12 stimulate the production of BH4.
- HYPERHOMOCYSTEINEMIA - approximately 20-40% of patients with heart dise