vitamin B12

noun

1
: 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

2
: any of several compounds similar to vitamin B12 in action but having different chemistry

Examples of vitamin B12 in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Specific vitamins like biotin, iron, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 are essential for nail growth, adds Dr. Patel, and deficiencies can not only lead to slow-growing nails, but also brittle or ridged ones. Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 3 Apr. 2025 These include protein, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and minerals such as calcium, iron, and zinc, high in meat or animal by-products. Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 1 Apr. 2025 Without proper supplementation, both groups face a higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, lower vitamin D levels, reduced iron stores, and iodine deficiency, which could impact thyroid function. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025 Red meat can be a valuable source of important nutrients, including zinc, iron, protein, and vitamin B12. Roxana Ehsani, Verywell Health, 21 Mar. 2025 Sardines These small fish, especially when eaten whole, are a powerhouse of nutrients: Sardines contain vitamin D, selenium, and vitamin B12. Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 11 Mar. 2025 High levels of this amino acid are known to increase the risk of coronary artery disease and blood clots, and can result from a diet deficient in folic acid or vitamin B12. Neil Savage, Scientific American, 6 Mar. 2025 In the United States, the UK, and Australia, concentrations of vitamin B12 in the blood are measured in different units. New Atlas, 19 Feb. 2025 Its vitamin B12 supports your nerves and blood cells. Caroline Hopkins Legaspi, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2024

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

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Cite this Entry

“Vitamin B12.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vitamin%20B12. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.

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
1
: 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

2
: any of several compounds similar to vitamin B12 in action but having different chemistry

More from Merriam-Webster on vitamin B12

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