Vitamin B12 - Bioavailability

2 min readEvidence-linked topicGreen Medicine Encyclopedia

Overview

This section outlines the factors affecting the absorption, excretion and storage of Vitamin B12.

 

Bioavailability  [1]

ABSORPTION

Colon

 Vitamin B12 is manufactured in the Colon but cannot be absorbed through the Colon, so 100% of Colon-manufactured B12 is excreted.

 

Small Intestine

 Vitamin B12 is absorbed in the Ileum of the Small Intestine but only in the presence of Intrinsic Factor secreted in the Stomach.

 Free crystalline vitamin B12 (e.g. supplemental Vitamin B12) is absorbed relatively efficiently (approximately 60% to 70% of an ingested dosage is absorbed).

 Dietary Vitamin B12 is bound to Food Proteins and dietary vitamin B12 is therefore absorbed at an efficiency of 15% to 30%.  Release of food-bound vitamin B12 requires an acidic environment and the hydrolytic action of either Hydrochloric Acid or Pepsin.

Keep reading Vitamin B12 - Bioavailability

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  • Oral Vitamin B12 Supplements
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  • HALF-LIFE
  • STORAGE
  • EXCRETION
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