vitamin B12

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.

vitamin B12

noun

1. another name for cyanocobalamin

vitamin B12

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of vitamin B12¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

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

Thank goodness a neurologist tested her vitamin B12 level.

From Seattle Times

Quantities of calcium were over five times higher in wild feed fish fillets than salmon fillets, iodine was four times higher, and iron, omega-3, vitamin B12, and vitamin A were over 1.5 times higher.

From Science Daily