Vitamin B12 – Nature’s Forgotten Partnership

Gropper, S. S., Smith, J. L., & Carr, T. P. (2016). Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism. Cengage Learning.
Explores the biochemical roles of vitamin B12 in DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and neural health.

Herbert, V. (1988). “Vitamin B12: Plant sources, requirements, and assay.” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 48(3), 852–858.
Examines the origins, dietary sources—including plant-based considerations—and bioavailability of vitamin B12, highlighting its essential roles in human metabolism and historical environmental availability via bacterial synthesis.

Martens, J. H., Barg, H., & Warren, M. J. (2002). “Microbial production of vitamin B12.” Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 58(3), 275–285.
Explores microbial synthesis of vitamin B12 within natural ecosystems, emphasising its role in ecological nutrient cycling and integration into the food web.

Allen, L. H. (2009). “How common is vitamin B12 deficiency?” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 89(2), 693S–696S.
Highlights the critical metabolic functions of vitamin B12, global prevalence of deficiency, and contemporary challenges in achieving adequate intake from natural sources, including the impact of modern hygiene and dietary patterns.

Banerjee, R., & Ragsdale, S. W. (2003). “The many faces of vitamin B12: Catalysis by cobalamin-dependent enzymes.” Annual Review of Biochemistry, 72, 209–247.
Explores the diverse enzymatic roles of vitamin B12, emphasising its critical involvement in metabolic pathways, including DNA synthesis, methylation, and neurological function.

O’Leary, F., & Samman, S. (2010). “Vitamin B12 in health and disease.” Nutrients, 2(3), 299–316.
Discusses the essential role of vitamin B12 in methylation, homocysteine metabolism, and neurological function, highlighting its significance for cardiovascular and overall systemic health.

Stabler, S. P., & Allen, R. H. (2004). “Vitamin B12 deficiency as a worldwide problem.” Annual Review of Nutrition, 24, 299–326.
Examines the global prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency, highlighting its critical role in neurological and haematological health, and the implications of widespread deficiency for systemic well-being.

Carmel, R. (2008). “Subclinical cobalamin deficiency.” Annals of Internal Medicine, 148(5), 375–383.
Highlights the subtle yet significant impact of mild vitamin B12 deficiency on cognitive function and systemic health, emphasising its importance in maintaining overall neurological well-being.

Allen, L. H. (2009). “Vitamin B12 supplements: Evidence and implications for public health.” The Journal of Nutrition, 139(1), 369S–373S.
Evaluates the effectiveness of vitamin B12 supplementation strategies in combating global deficiencies, highlighting implications for public health policy and systemic health outcomes.