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Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Cyanocobalamin - Vitamin B12

Functions and Sources

What food source is the nutrient found in?

Vitamin B12 is found in animal foods, fortified foods, and some fermented foods. Some sources of B12 are:

eggs

meat

poultry

fish

dairy products

tempeh and miso, which both come from soy

The amount of B12 in some foods includes:

salmon, cooked (3 oz) = 2.6 mcg (micrograms)

beef tenderloin lean, broiled (3 oz) = 2.2 mcg

milk (1 cup) = 0.5 mcg

How does the nutrient affect the body?

Vitamin B12 helps the body:

make red blood cells, with folic acid, another B-vitamin

work with many chemicals found in all body cells

copy the genetic code within each cell

form and maintain the nervous system

build and maintain protective coating around nerves

digest and use fats, carbohydrates, and some proteins for energy

form neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, that help regulate mood, sleep, and appetite

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