Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)

Question 1

List the properties of vitamin B12

6

Answer 1

Water soluble

Insoluble in fat

Heat stable up to 100 degrees Celsius

Destroyed by strong acids

Destroyed by alkalis

Destroyed by light

Question 2

What destroys cobalamin (B12)

4

Answer 2

Temperatures above 100 degrees Celsius
Light
Alkalis
Strong acids

Question 3

List some food sources of cobalamin (B12)

Answer 3

Offal 
Eggs 
Milk 
Meat 
Cheese 
Fish

Question 4

List a source of cobalamin (B12) other than food sources

Answer 4

Vegans must take supplements or fortified foods such as soya milk as cobalamin is only found in animal sources

Question 5

List the functions of cobalamin (B12)

4

Answer 5

Aids the metabolism of fatty acids to release energy

Aids the metabolism of folate/folic acid

Maintains the myelin sheath which speeds up nerve impulses

Aids the formation of red blood cells

Question 6

List the effects of deficiency of cobalamin (B12)

Answer 6

Tiredness and irritability due to a lack of energy

Increased risk or neural tube defects in a foetus

Delayed nerve impulses

Pernicious anaemia

Question 7

A lack of cobalamin (B12) results in delayed nerve impulses, describe this deficiency

Answer 7

Delayed nerve impulses as a result of a damaged myelin sheath causes cognitive impairments such as memory loss or slow mental response

Question 8

A lack of cobalamin (B12) result in pernicious anaemia, describe this deficiency

Answer 8

Pernicious anaemia is caused by low levels of red blood cells which are needed to transport oxygen

Question 9

What is the RI for children?

Answer 9

0.7-1 micrograms

Question 10

What is the RI for adolescents and adults?

Answer 10

1.4 micrograms

Question 11

What is the RI for pregnant women?

Answer 11

1.6 micrograms

Question 12

What is the RI for lactating women?

Answer 12

1.9 micrograms