Meta Information
ID:vitamin-b12
Name:Vitamin B12
Schema Version:1.5
Alternate Names
- Cobalamin
- Methylcobalamin
- Cyanocobalamin
- Adenosylcobalamin
- Hydroxocobalamin
Active Compound
Cobalamin
Intervention Type
therapeutic_agent
Delivery
Route:
oral
Scope:
- systemic
Regulatory Status
- us:dietary_supplement
- us:otc_drug
- eu:food_supplement
Indication
Focus:
- healthspan
- disease_treatment
Description:
Preventing or treating vitamin B12 deficiency, which is critical for neurological function, red blood cell formation, and DNA synthesis.
Typical Protocol
- For maintaining optimal levels in at-risk groups, daily oral doses of 250-1000 mcg are common.
- For correcting clinical deficiency, intramuscular injections of 1000 mcg are often prescribed by a physician.
Expected Cost Mean
Low Cost:
2
High Cost:
15
Cost Type:
monthly
Description:
Widely available and inexpensive oral supplements; not typically covered by insurance.
Summary
Vitamin B12 is an essential water-soluble vitamin crucial for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and maintaining proper neurological function. It acts as a cofactor for enzymes involved in metabolism, and preventing its deficiency is fundamental for avoiding age-related neurological decline and anemia, thereby supporting a healthy lifespan.
Purpose
Essential for nerve function, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell production.
Card Summary
An essential vitamin for nerve health and red blood cell formation, crucial for preventing age-related cognitive decline and anemia.
Drug Class
null
Drugs In Class
Empty Array
Impact
Score:
5.5
Justification:
Crucial for preventing age-related deficiency, which impairs neurological and metabolic health.
Evidence
Grade:
A
Score:
9.5
Justification:
Vast body of evidence from RCTs on its essential biological roles and deficiency treatment.
Safety
Score:
2.5
Justification:
Water-soluble vitamin with extremely low toxicity risk; excess is readily excreted.
Flags
- Certain medications (e.g., metformin, proton pump inhibitors) can impair B12 absorption.
- Vegans, vegetarians, and adults over 50 are at a higher risk for deficiency.
- High-dose folic acid can mask the hematological signs of B12 deficiency, potentially delaying diagnosis.
Verdict
Essential for at-risk groups to prevent neurological decline and anemia.
Created
2026-05-06T18:21:28.120921Z
Ai Model
Gemini 2.5 Pro (High)