Vitamin B-12

Vitamin B-12 is called cobalamin or erythrotin and was discovered in 1920. However, scientists were not able to decipher the exact structure of the vitamin until 1955, and five years later it was also produced synthetically for the first time. Our body cannot produce erythrotin itself, so it must be supplied through food. The most important suppliers are animal foods such as offal, beef, herring and also trout. It is also abundant in dairy products (milk, cheese, curd, eggs).

An important vitamin in human health

Vitamin B-12 is an essential vitamin that plays an important role in the health of the body. Erythrotin has a great influence on the healthy growth of children. Basically, however, an adequate supply is important for everyone, because in our body the vitamin is responsible for blood formation, cell division and the function of the nerves.

A deficiency of vitamin B-12 can lead to anemia, in which there is a reduction in the number of red blood cells in the body. Symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, and numbness or tingling in the hands and feet. Because vitamin B-12 is found mainly in animal products such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy, deficiency can occur in vegans or people who eat few animal products. In these cases, supplementation with vitamin B-12 may be recommended.

It is also important for older people to watch their vitamin B-12 intake, as the body is less able to absorb the vitamin with age. People with certain diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease, may also have difficulty absorbing vitamin B-12 and may need supplementation.

According to a recommendation by the German Nutrition Society, adults should consume about 3.0 micrograms of erythrotin daily. A slightly larger amount (3.5 to 4.0 micrograms) is recommended for pregnant and nursing women.

Erythrotin: overdose not possible

Healthy people cannot take too much erythrotin, because excess amounts are immediately excreted by the kidneys. Even with an extremely high intake, no toxic reactions or side effects have been observed so far. The situation is somewhat different in the case of a deficiency. An undersupply causes depressive moods, irritability, and anxiety; those affected feel weak and tired. In addition, there is a decline in memory and concentration difficulties, and in the case of a very pronounced deficiency, the sense of smell and touch is impaired and nerve pain occurs.

Fact Sheet Erythrotin:

INCI: Cyanocobalamin

Alterative names: Cobalamin, erythrotin, 5-deoxyadenosylcobalamin, adenosylcobalamin.

CAS number: 13870-90-1

Characteristics: red, crystalline solid

Solubility: sparingly soluble in water, insoluble in acetone, ether, and chloroform

Physiological function: blood formation, cell division, function of the nervous system

Melting point: decomposition begins at 392 degrees Celsius.

Vitamin B-12 in cosmetics

Vitamin B-12 may be beneficial in cosmetic products due to its antioxidant and moisturizing properties. It can help strengthen the skin barrier and improve the appearance of dry or irritated skin. Some studies have also shown that vitamin B-12 may be helpful in treating skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne.

A deficiency of vitamin B-12 can cause several health problems. Symptoms include hyperpigmentation of the skin, atopic dermatitis, erythema nodosum, vitiligo, and hair and nail changes. Hyperpigmentation is often the first sign of vitamin B-12 deficiency. It shows increased levels of melanin in the basal layer of the epidermis, particularly in melanocytes and surrounding keratinocytes. Vitamin B-12 may also help reduce inflammatory processes in atopic dermatitis by suppressing cytokine production by T lymphocytes.

In addition, vitamin B-12 acts as a nitric oxide scavenger and may thereby reduce itching and redness that can be caused by excessive nitric oxide. Erythrotin is able to bind nitric oxide, which in turn is believed to cause skin changes in neurodermatitis and psoriasis. Corresponding vitamin-containing creams and ointments cannot cure the skin diseases, but they do provide significant relief of the complaints and symptoms.

In addition, erythrotin gives the formulation a beautiful rosy hue.

Vitamin B-12 for healthy teeth

A combination of sodium fluoride and vitamin B-12 is also frequently used in toothpastes; it counteracts caries, periodontosis and tartar formation and has an additional positive effect. The vitamin B-12 contained in the toothpaste is absorbed by our organism through the mucous membranes of the mouth, so that with regular use a deficiency can be prevented or even compensated.

We like to work with these raw materials containing vitamin B-12:

The pink vitamin for sensitive and stressed skin!

Overall, it can be said that erythrotin is a promising ingredient in the cosmetics industry, especially in terms of supporting sensitive skin. Although more research is needed in this area, the available evidence suggests that topical application of vitamin B-12 can be a useful addition to a healthy diet. So, if you’re looking for cosmetic products to nourish and improve your skin and hair, be sure to keep vitamin B-12 in mind. For more information, product or concept ideas, feel free to contact us.

Sources:

A review of vitamin B12 in dermatology.; Brescoll J, Daveluy S. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2015 Feb;16(1):27-33.

Content and stability of B complex vitamins in commercial cosmetic products.; Temova Rakuša Ž, Šenk A, Roškar R.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2023 Feb;22(2):628-636.

Vitamin B12-fortified toothpaste improves vitamin status in elderly people: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.; Zant A, Awwad HM, Geisel J, Keller M, Obeid R.Aging Clin Exp Res. 2019 Dec;31(12):1817-1825.

Effects of Chemical and Physical Enhancement Techniques on Transdermal Delivery of Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12).; Yang Y, Kalluri H, Banga AK.   In Vitro. Pharmaceutics. 2011; 3(3):474-484.

Hair loss from scalp among women: Does serum levels of iron, cobalamin and folic acid matter.; Sandhyalakshmi, B. N., & Sharanappa, P. IP Indian J Clin Exp Dermatol, 2022; 8, 16-20.