Vitamin B12

Cobalamin, a water-soluble vitamin and coenzyme

Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin and coenzyme built around a central cobalt-containing corrin ring. In the scientific literature it appears in cellular-metabolism research, where attention has focused on its role as a cofactor in enzymatic reactions. This page is neutral background about the molecule as a research material and is not medical guidance, nor is it intended for human or veterinary use.

Classification and structure

Vitamin B12 is classified as a cobalamin, a complex organometallic molecule defined by a corrin ring coordinated to a central cobalt ion. Common laboratory forms include cyanocobalamin and methylcobalamin. It is supplied here as a research-grade material for non-clinical laboratory work.

Areas of research

In the published literature, Vitamin B12 appears in the following research areas.

• Cellular-metabolism research — Studied as a coenzyme in one-carbon metabolism and related enzymatic pathways.
• Biochemistry — Investigated in studies of cobalamin-dependent enzymes and cofactor chemistry.

As always in this library, describing a compound as “studied in” an area is a statement about where scientific attention has gone — not a claim that it produces any result in humans or animals.

Handling and verification

Store protected from light and moisture; cobalamins are light-sensitive. Every in-stock lot ships with a verifiable third-party Certificate of Analysis (COA).