QuoteReplyTopic: Forming red blood cells Posted: July 21 2010 at 6:03am
Forming red blood cells
Perhaps the most well-known function of B12 involves its role in the
development of red blood cells. As red blood cells mature, they require
information provided by molecules of DNA. (DNA, or deoxyribose nucleic
acid, is the substance in the nucleus of our cells which contains
genetic information.) Without B12, synthesis of DNA becomes defective,
and so does the information needed for red blood cell formation. The
cells become oversized and poorly shaped, and begin to function
ineffectively, a condition called pernicious anemia. More often
than not, pernicious anemia isn't caused by a lack of B12 itself, but
by a lack of intrinsic factor -- the stomach-made protein required for
the absorption of B12.
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