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vitamin B12

American  

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 British  

noun

  1. another name for cyanocobalamin

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

vitamin B12 Scientific  
  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


Etymology

Origin of vitamin B12

First recorded in 1945–50

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

These foods provide nutrients that are essential for maintaining muscle and bone health, including high-quality protein, vitamin B12, calcium and vitamin D.

From Science Daily

Full-fat cheese contains several nutrients relevant to brain health, including fat-soluble vitamins A, D and K2, as well as vitamin B12, folate, iodine, zinc and selenium.

From Science Daily

However, they also had lower intakes of energy, protein, fat, vitamin B12, and zinc.

From Science Daily

In particular, not getting enough of three essential nutrients — vitamin D, vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids — is linked to low energy levels.

From Salon

Famine and food shortages in Gaza mean pregnant women are not getting enough folate, iron, vitamin B12 and iodine.

From Salon