vitamin B12

noun

1
: a complex cobalt-containing compound C63H88CoN14O14P that occurs especially in liver, is essential to normal blood formation, neural function, and growth, and is used especially in treating pernicious and related anemias and in animal feed as a growth factor

called also cyanocobalamin

2
: any of several compounds similar to vitamin B12 in action but having different chemistry

Examples of vitamin B12 in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Nutrition Both types of crab are high in protein and low in fat and are a good source of heart-healthy omega 3 fats as well as the mineral zinc and vitamin B12. Coastal Living, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2024 Research also suggests that taking vitamin B12 with acid reducers can result in low absorption rates of vitamin B12. Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 16 Feb. 2024 Consuming too much in supplement form has the potential to mask a severe vitamin B12 deficiency in those who don't have their levels tested.11 High folic acid levels may correct the anemia that the vitamin B12 deficiency causes but not the nerve damage. Kathleen Felton, Health, 3 Jan. 2024 The following medications lower the absorption of vitamin B12: Metformin (used for diabetes), colchicine (used to prevent/treat gout), and aminosalicylic acid (used for tuberculosis). Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 16 Feb. 2024 The belief is supplementation of vitamin B12 may help reduce or prevent anxiety symptoms.22 Vitamin B6 might ease anxiety as well. Cristina Mutchler, Health, 28 Jan. 2024 Sardines are high in vitamin B12 content, which helps balance the nervous system. Ana Morales, Vogue, 8 Jan. 2024 Alongside other vital nutrients like zinc and vitamin B12, iron plays a crucial role in maintaining strong and vibrant tresses. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 7 Aug. 2023 The bonus addition of vitamin B12 complements the semaglutide by supporting your overall metabolism and boosting effective calorie utilization. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 23 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vitamin B12.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of vitamin B12 was in 1948

Dictionary Entries Near vitamin B12

Cite this Entry

“Vitamin B12.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vitamin%20B12. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

vitamin B12

noun
-ˈbē-ˈtwelv
: a member of the vitamin B complex that contains cobalt, occurs especially in liver, and is needed for normal blood formation, nerve function, and growth
also : any of several other compounds with similar activity

Medical Definition

vitamin B12

noun
1
: a complex cobalt-containing compound C63H88CoN14O14P found in animal products (as meat and eggs) that is essential to normal blood formation, neural function, and growth and is used especially in treating pernicious and related anemias and in animal feed as a growth factor

called also cyanocobalamin

2
: any of several compounds similar to vitamin B12 in action but having different chemistry

More from Merriam-Webster on vitamin B12

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