Correct option is A
The correct answer is (A) B12
Explanation:
• Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that is primarily found in animal products such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy products.
• Plant-based foods generally do not naturally contain Vitamin B12 unless they are artificially fortified, making it an essential nutrient of concern for individuals following strict vegetarian or vegan diets.
• It plays a crucial role in the normal functioning of the nervous system, the synthesis of DNA, and the formation of red blood cells in the bone marrow.
• Deficiency of Vitamin B12 can lead to serious health conditions, including pernicious anemia, neurological disorders, fatigue, and memory loss.
Information Booster:
• Unlike most other water-soluble vitamins, the human body can store Vitamin B12 in the liver for several years, which is why deficiency symptoms can take a long time to manifest.
• Absorption of Vitamin B12 requires a special glycoprotein called intrinsic factor, which is secreted by the parietal cells of the stomach lining.
• It is the only vitamin that contains a trace metallic element, which is cobalt, giving it the chemical name cobalamin.
Additional Knowledge:
• Vitamin B9 (Option B): Also known as folate or folic acid, it is abundantly found in green leafy vegetables, legumes, and citrus fruits. It is essential for cell division and prevent neural tube defects during pregnancy.
• Vitamin B7 (Option C): Commonly known as biotin, it is widely distributed in both plant and animal foods like nuts, sweet potatoes, and egg yolks. It helps in metabolism and maintaining hair and skin health.
• Vitamin B6 (Option D): Known as pyridoxine, it is found in a wide variety of foods including bananas, chickpeas, and poultry. It acts as a coenzyme in amino acid metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis.