vitamin B12

American  

noun

1. a deep-red crystalline, water-soluble solid, C 63 H 88 N 14 O 14 PCo, obtained from liver, milk, eggs, fish, oysters, and clams: a deficiency causes pernicious anemia and disorders of the nervous system.

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vitamin B12 British  

noun

1. another name for cyanocobalamin

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vitamin B12 Scientific  

1. A water-soluble, complex organic compound containing cobalt, found especially in meat, liver, eggs, milk, and milk products. Vitamin B ₁₂ is necessary for the synthesis of DNA by the body, for the production of blood cells, and for maintaining the health of nerves. A deficiency of vitamin B ₁₂ in the diet results in pernicious anemia.

2. Also called cobalamin cyanocobalamin

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Etymology

Origin of vitamin B12

First recorded in 1945–50

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How does vitamin-b12 compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• vitamin B12 vs. B complex

Example Sentences

However, they also had lower intakes of energy, protein, fat, vitamin B12, and zinc.

From Science Daily

In particular, not getting enough of three essential nutrients — vitamin D, vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids — is linked to low energy levels.

From Salon

Famine and food shortages in Gaza mean pregnant women are not getting enough folate, iron, vitamin B12 and iodine.

From Salon

Dr Mellor warned people considering cutting down on meat to ensure they still got enough vital nutrients, such as iron and vitamin B12.

From BBC

According to their findings, bacteria of the Colwellia strain M166 synthesise the smaller building block for vitamin B12 and release it into the surrounding water.

From Science Daily