vitamin B₁₂

noun

-ˈbē-ˈtwelv

: a complex cobalt-containing compound C₆₃H₈₈CoN₁₄O₁₄P that occurs especially in liver, is essential to normal blood formation, neural function, and growth, and is used especially in treating pernicious and related anemias and in animal feed as a growth factor

called also cyanocobalamin

: any of several compounds similar to vitamin B₁₂ in action but having different chemistry

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Each serving delivers 500mg of ACV plus a generous dose of vitamin B12 to provide essential nutrition for the body. —

Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 6 Mar. 2023 These include 1500 mg of CBD along with apple cider vinegar, organic pomegranate, and vitamin B12. —

Dallas News, 21 Oct. 2022 Studies also show that iron and vitamin B12 are essential for the development of red blood cells, and deficiencies can lead to blue-toned nails with dark streaks and brown pigmentation. —

Angela Trakoshis, Allure, 25 Mar. 2022 The ginseng root has several compounds, including vitamin D and vitamin B12, which help to boost radiance, increase blood flow, increase collagen production, and reduce inflammation. —

Olivia Hanson, Peoplemag, 10 Feb. 2023 With nutrients like methylfolate, vitamin D and vitamin B12 to support fetal development, immunity, energy metabolism and more — all in one delicious non-GMO formula. —

Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 5 Nov. 2022 Other nutritional highlights include vitamin B12, vitamin D, bone-benefiting phosphorus and selenium, a nutrient linked to improved mood. —

Matthew Kadey Rd, Outside Online, 7 May 2021 Garden of Life mykind Organics Plant Iron & Organic Herbs contains iron from an organic food blend, along with vitamin C, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6. —

Tamar Kane, Verywell Health, 5 Feb. 2023 Tilapia is an excellent source of vitamin B12, which helps maintain the nervous system and build red blood cells. —

Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 24 Dec. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vitamin B12.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of vitamin B₁₂ was in 1948

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Vitamin B12.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vitamin%20B12. Accessed 27 Mar. 2023.

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Kids Definition

vitamin B₁₂

noun

-ˈbē-ˈtwelv

: a member of the vitamin B complex that contains cobalt, occurs especially in liver, and is needed for normal blood formation, nerve function, and growth

also : any of several other compounds with similar activity

Medical Definition

vitamin B₁₂

noun

-ˈbē-ˈtwelv

: a complex cobalt-containing compound C₆₃H₈₈CoN₁₄O₁₄P found in animal products (as meat and eggs) that is essential to normal blood formation, neural function, and growth and is used especially in treating pernicious and related anemias and in animal feed as a growth factor

called also cyanocobalamin