Vitamin B12

Cyanocobalamin (commonly known as Vitamin B12) is a highly complex, essential vitamin, owing its name to the fact that it contains the mineral, cobalt. This vitamin is produced naturally by bacteria , and is necessary for DNA synthesis and cellular energy production. Vitamin B12 has many forms, including the cyano-, methyl-, deoxyadenosyl- and hydroxy-cobalamin forms. The cyano form, is the most widely used form in supplements and prescription drugs , . Several pharmaceutical forms of cyanocobalamin have been developed, including the tablet, injection, and nasal spray forms , , . This drug was initially approved by the FDA in 1942 .

Nasal spray The cyanocobalamin nasal spray is indicated for the maintenance of vitamin B12 concentrations after normalization with intramuscular vitamin B12 therapy in patients with deficiency of this vitamin who have no nervous system involvement . Note: CaloMist , the nasal spray form, has not been evaluated for the treatment of newly diagnosed vitamin B12 deficiency. Injection forms (subcutaneous, intramuscular) These forms are indicated for vitamin B12 deficiencies due to various causes, with or without neurologic manifestations . Vitamin B12 deficiency is frequently caused by malabsorption, which is often associated with the following conditions : Addisonian (pernicious) anemia Gastrointestinal pathology, dysfunction, or surgery, including gluten enteropathy or sprue, small bowel bacterial overgrowth, total or partial gastrectomy Fish tapeworm infestation Malignancy of the pancreas or bowel Folic acid deficiency Oral forms Vitamin B12 supplements are widely available and indicated in patients who require supplementation for various reasons. Dose requirements for vitamin B12 which are higher than normal (caused by pregnancy, thyrotoxicosis, hemolytic anemia, hemorrhage, malignancy, hepatic and renal disease) can usually be achieved with oral supplementation . Oral products of vitamin B12 are not recommended in patients with malabsorption, as these forms are primarily absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract .

• Neuritis
• Vitamin Deficiency
• Vitamin B6 Deficiency
• Diabetic Neuropathies
• Vitamin B1 deficiency
• Anemia, Pernicious
• Vitamin B12 Deficiency
• Convalescence
• Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA)
• Folate deficiency
• Combined Vitamin B1 and B12 deficiency
• Vitamin B12 concentration
• Anemia