Aurora VB12 Assay

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin involved in metabolism. is derived from a tetrapyrrolic structural framework created by the enzymes deaminase and cosynthetase which transform aminolaevulinic acid via porphobilinogen and hydroxymethylbilane to uroporphyrinogen Ⅲ. The latter is the first macrocyclic intermediate common to heme, chlorophyll, siroheme and B12 itself. It is required by animals, which use it as a cofactor in DNA synthesis, in both fatty acid and amino acid metabolism. It is important in the normal functioning of the nervous system via its role in the synthesis of myelin, and in the maturation of red blood cells in the bone marrow. Vitamin B12 is an essential cofactor in intermediary metabolism and is required for the biosynthesis of RNA and DNA. Since a deficiency of either vitamin may be the cause of megaloblastic anemia, it is essential to determine the levels of both vitamin B12 and folic acid to establish the etiology of the anemia. The deficiency of Vit.B12 is due to the lack of intrinsic factor (IF) by the stomach and intestinal malabsorption. Vitamin B12 deficiency can potentially cause severe and irreversible damage, especially to the brain and nervous system. At levels only slightly lower than normal, a range of symptoms such as feeling tired and weak, feeling like one may faint, difficulty walking (staggering balance problems), depression, poor memory, poor reflexes, confusion, breathlessness, headaches, and pale skin, feeling abnormal sensations, among others. Vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause symptoms of mania and psychosis. Among other problems, weakened immunity, reduced fertility and interruption of blood circulation in women may occur.