Cobalamin

Cobalamin is a term that refers to a group of chemically-related compounds, all of which feature a cobalt atom at their core. The most common and widely known of these compounds is vitamin B12, which is essential for human health and nutrition.

Chemical Structure

Cobalamin compounds are characterized by a cobalt atom, which is coordinated to a corrin ring. This ring is a large, planar, macrocyclic structure, similar to the porphyrin ring found in heme, chlorophyll, and other important biological molecules. The cobalt atom can be coordinated to a variety of different ligands, resulting in different forms of cobalamin with different properties and biological roles.

Biological Role

Cobalamin is essential for human health, primarily due to its role as a cofactor in various enzymatic reactions. The most well-known of these is the role of vitamin B12 in the metabolism of amino acids and fatty acids. Deficiency in cobalamin can lead to a variety of health problems, including pernicious anemia and neurological damage.

Dietary Sources

Cobalamin is primarily found in animal products, including meat, eggs, and dairy products. Some forms of cobalamin can also be synthesized by bacteria and other microorganisms, and these can be a source of cobalamin in fermented foods and dietary supplements.

See Also

• Vitamin B12
• Cobalt
• Corrin ring
• Pernicious anemia