VITAMINS B9 AND B12

FOOD & NUTRITION PEER TEACHINGTOPIC: VITAMINS

VITAMINS B9 Classified as water-soluble vitamin.Vitamin B9 is known as Folate/Folic acid.

Functions: Needed to release energy from amino acids. Plays an important role in manufacturing new

cells and genetic materials in our bodies Works together with vitamins B1 and B12

and Iron to form red blood cells

SOURCES OF B9 Milk Green Leafy vegetables- Spinach- Broccoli Cereals Liver Citrus fruits (Oranges) Whole grain foods

DEFICIENCIES AND TOXICITY OF B9 A lack of vitamin B9 can result in:- Anaemia (A condition where there is a lack of red

blood cells)- Pregnant women will give birth to pre-mature and

babies with Spina Bifida (cleft spine); a birth defect where there is an incomplete closure in the spinal column.

- Toxicity of B9: No known symptoms.

VITAMIN B12 Classified as water-soluble vitaminAlso known as Cobalamin.

Functions: Needed for the normal functioning of nerves. Need for maintenance of the enzyme system

in our body. Helps in the production of red blood cells.

SOURCES OF B12 Dairy products- Milk - Cheese Meat Poultry Fish Eggs

DEFICIENCY/TOXICITY OF B12 A lack of vitamin B12 can result in:- Pernicious anaemia which could lead to

degeneration of the nerves, paralysis and even death.

- Vitamin B12 cannot be found in plants. Therefore, vegetarians and vegans need to take B12 supplements.

Toxicity of B12:No known symptoms