Does B12 Get Produced in the Intestine?
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that is needed for many bodily functions. It is required for the production of red blood cells, the maintenance of nerve cells, and for energy metabolism. It is found in a variety of foods, including meat, eggs, and dairy products. The body absorbs B12 from food in the small intestine. It is then stored in the liver and released when it is needed.
However, some people are unable to absorb B12 from food, and must take supplements or receive injections of the vitamin. This is due to a condition known as pernicious anemia, which is caused by a lack of intrinsic factor, a protein produced in the stomach.
The question of whether B12 can be produced in the intestine has been the subject of debate for some time. Some researchers have suggested that certain bacteria in the gut can synthesize B12, while others have argued that this is not the case.
Synthesize: To create or produce something, typically using artificial or laboratory-based methods.
The research on this topic is ongoing, and there is still much to learn. One study conducted in 2015 found that some bacteria in the human intestine can produce B12, although the amounts are likely to be too small to be of practical use.
Another study, conducted in 2017, found that certain bacteria in the mouse intestine can synthesize B12. This could potentially be used as a source of the vitamin for humans, although more research is needed to determine if this is a viable option.
Overall, it appears that B12 can be produced in the intestine, but the amounts are likely to be too small to be of practical use. Therefore, people who are unable to absorb B12 from food must continue to take supplements or receive injections of the vitamin.