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
Its vitamin B12 supports your nerves and blood cells.
—
Caroline Hopkins Legaspi, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2024
Less frequent side effects can include chest discomfort, weakness, headache, rhinitis, hypoglycemia and vitamin B12 deficiency (with long-term metformin use).
—Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2025
The secret behind the extra dose of hydration is a blend of ingredients like magnesium, vitamin B12, and coconut water, all rich in vitamins that act as humectants to prevent dryness.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2025
One study found adding a salmon protein supplement to a person’s diet for eight weeks increased their serum vitamin B12 concentrations.6
2.
—Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 21 Feb. 2025
Key ingredients: Bisabolol, vitamin B12, gallic acid derivatives.
—Denise Primbet, Glamour, 21 Feb. 2025
For instance, vegan diets can be low on levels of protein, vitamin B12, iron, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D and zinc, says Young.
—Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
In a healthy population, only about 3 to 4 percent of people are vitamin B12 deficient, compared with the 29 percent of people with type 2 diabetes taking metformin, says Bridges.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 29 Jan. 2025
This usually requires vegans to eat fortified foods or take a variety of supplements, especially for nutrients like vitamin B12, which is only found in animal products.
—Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Caroline Hopkins Legaspi, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2024
Less frequent side effects can include chest discomfort, weakness, headache, rhinitis, hypoglycemia and vitamin B12 deficiency (with long-term metformin use).
—Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2025
The secret behind the extra dose of hydration is a blend of ingredients like magnesium, vitamin B12, and coconut water, all rich in vitamins that act as humectants to prevent dryness.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2025
One study found adding a salmon protein supplement to a person’s diet for eight weeks increased their serum vitamin B12 concentrations.6
2.
—Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 21 Feb. 2025
Key ingredients: Bisabolol, vitamin B12, gallic acid derivatives.
—Denise Primbet, Glamour, 21 Feb. 2025
For instance, vegan diets can be low on levels of protein, vitamin B12, iron, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D and zinc, says Young.
—Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
In a healthy population, only about 3 to 4 percent of people are vitamin B12 deficient, compared with the 29 percent of people with type 2 diabetes taking metformin, says Bridges.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 29 Jan. 2025
This usually requires vegans to eat fortified foods or take a variety of supplements, especially for nutrients like vitamin B12, which is only found in animal products.
—Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vitamin B12.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vitamin%20B12. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
vitamin B12
noun1
: 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share