A group of substances which have an enzyme action (see ENZYME) and are essential for normal growth and nutrition. (See also CYANOCOBALAMIN; HYDROXOCOBALAMIN.)
Hydroxocobalamin, or vitamin B12, has now replaced CYANOCOBALAMIN in the treatment of pernicious ANAEMIA. It has the practical advantage that fewer injections are required than in the case of cyanocobalamin. Like cyanocobalamin, it belongs to the group of substances known as cobalamins which have an ENZYME action in practically every metabolic system in the body and are essential for normal growth and nutrition. (See APPENDIX 5: VITAMINS.)... hydroxocobalamin
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