Cobalamin
Cobalamin is a term that refers to a group of chemically-related compounds, all of which feature a cobalt atom at their core. The most common and widely known of these compounds is vitamin B12, which is essential for human health and nutrition.
Chemical Structure[edit | edit source]
Cobalamin compounds are characterized by a cobalt atom, which is coordinated to a corrin ring. This ring is a large, planar, macrocyclic structure, similar to the porphyrin ring found in heme, chlorophyll, and other important biological molecules. The cobalt atom can be coordinated to a variety of different ligands, resulting in different forms of cobalamin with different properties and biological roles.
Biological Role[edit | edit source]
Cobalamin is essential for human health, primarily due to its role as a cofactor in various enzymatic reactions. The most well-known of these is the role of vitamin B12 in the metabolism of amino acids and fatty acids. Deficiency in cobalamin can lead to a variety of health problems, including pernicious anemia and neurological damage.
Dietary Sources[edit | edit source]
Cobalamin is primarily found in animal products, including meat, eggs, and dairy products. Some forms of cobalamin can also be synthesized by bacteria and other microorganisms, and these can be a source of cobalamin in fermented foods and dietary supplements.
See Also[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD