Vitamins are defined as a group of complex organic compounds present in minute amounts in natural foodstuff that are essential to normal metabolism and lack of which in the diet causes deficiency diseases. Vitamins are required in trace amounts (micrograms to milligrams per day) in the diet for health, growth and reproduction.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Folic Acid and Cobalamin
Folic Acid and Cobalamin
Folic Acid
Folic acid is required for the formation of blood cells by the bone marrow and is involved in the formation of the blood pigment hemoglobin. It is also required for the synthesis of some amino acids. Deficiency symptoms involve pernicious anemia. Nuts, dried beans, turnips, lentils, corn and shredded wheat are good sources of this vitamin, while liver and wheat bran are excellent.
Cobalamin
B12 or cobalamin is a very complex chemical compound. This vitamin is required for the normal development of red blood cells, and a deficiency in it causes acute pernicious anemia and a variety of other disorders. The exact requirement of vitamin B12 is yet unknown, since some B12 is synthesized by bacteria in the intestine. The organs of animals are excellent sources of vitamin B12 and the muscles of warm-blooded animals and fish are good sources.
Folic Acid and Cobalamin