字幕英文翻譯 English translation of the video transcript ⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇ If you were to ask me which vitamin I find the most complex, I would, without hesitation, tell you it’s vitamin B12. Let’s explore why. First of all, a single molecule of B12 undergoes a highly intricate journey from dietary intake to being absorbed into cells. This process requires various bodily conditions and specific proteins to facilitate its path. If even one step of this chain malfunctions, it can lead to a B12 deficiency in the body. Additionally, the B12 molecule is the largest of all vitamins. Not only is it large, but it also has an extraordinarily complex and diverse structure. This complexity results in four naturally occurring forms of B12, each with distinct chemical properties. These variations make B12 metabolism particularly susceptible to issues caused by genetic factors, affecting its usability in the human body. While it’s true that vitamin B12 can be easily obtained from animal-based foods, the increasing prevalence of vegetarianism poses a significant challenge for this group to get adequate B12 intake. But even among those who don’t follow a vegetarian diet, modern dietary habits rely increasingly on processed foods as a primary calorie source. These processed or ultra-processed foods, though convenient and energy-dense, often lack sufficient trace elements, including vitamin B12. So don’t assume that simply paying attention to your diet means you won’t be deficient in B12. Statistics show that up to 20% of the population is deficient in vitamin B12, and the likelihood increases with age. However, the problem doesn’t end there. While dietary deficiencies of B12 can be addressed with supplements, research in recent years has raised concerns about over-supplementation. Studies suggest that long-term consumption of high doses of B12, or blood tests showing excessive B12 concentrations, can significantly increase the risk of certain cancers or mortality rates. Conversely, insufficient dietary B12 intake or low blood B12 levels are also associated with increased mortality. In other words, both excess and deficiency pose risks. This presents a frustrating dilemma: a vitamin deficiency that leads to severe illness is widespread, yet over-supplementation can also harm the body. So, what’s the solution? In this video, I’ll address several important questions, such as the differences among various forms of vitamin B12, their distinct impacts on the body, and how to supplement B12 long-term in a safe and effective way. Finally, I’ll attempt to explain why long-term use of vitamin B12 or high blood concentrations may cause adverse effects, along with the potential scientific reasons behind this. These are critical topics, so be sure to watch until the end! Let’s begin with a brief explanation of how a vitamin B12 molecule journeys from food to body cells. First, it binds with haptocorrin (a type of transcobalamin protein) in the mouth and is carried into the stomach. Haptocorrin, a protein secreted by salivary glands, acts as a protector, shielding B12 from being destroyed by stomach acid. Next, the B12 molecule, escorted by haptocorrin, passes through the acidic environment of the stomach and reaches the duodenum, where it switches to binding with intrinsic factor (IF). The intrinsic factor then delivers B12 to the intestinal lining, where it is absorbed into the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, the B12 molecules bind with a different transcobalamin protein (Type II) and are transported to cells needing vitamin B12. The transcobalamin proteins-Type I (haptocorrin), intrinsic factor, and Type II-are the three key proteins involved in B12 transportation. When the Type II protein enters the cell with B12, they separate, allowing B12 to be released. At this stage, cellular enzymes cleave the B12 molecule, detaching its core from the molecular "caps" attached to it. Imagine B12 as a group of individuals wearing four distinct hats. Once the hats are removed, they all look identical, and their differences are defined by the hats (or molecular groups) they wear. These molecular groups come in four types: methyl, cyano, hydroxy, and adenosyl. These represent the four natural forms of B12 found in foods and supplements, each with slightly different physiological properties. When B12’s core is freed by enzymes, cells can reattach different caps based on current physiological needs. For instance, if a cell requires B12 in the cytoplasm, it adds a methyl group, forming methylcobalamin, which serves as a coenzyme for critical cytoplasmic enzymes. Alternatively, if the mitochondria need B12, an adenosyl group is added, forming adenosylcobalamin, which acts as a coenzyme in mitochondrial energy production. In essence, while there are four "hats," only two-methyl and adenosyl-are functionally active in the body as coenzymes. Coenzymes are enzyme assistants, crucial for executing biochemical tasks. For example, vitamin C, another coenzyme, aids collagen-synthesizing enzymes in building and stabilizing collagen structures. Without vitamin C, collagen synthesis is impaired, leading to scurvy, a severe condition characterized by unhealed wounds, loose teeth, and bleeding. Thus, the notion that methylcobalamin is the "best" B12 supplement is not entirely accurate. Regardless of the B12 form consumed, enzymes within cells will remove the molecular group, and the body will reassemble B12 based on its needs. Let’s move on to the next question: do different forms of B12 have distinct physiological effects, and which is best for the body? While all four forms bind strongly to the three transport proteins, there are slight differences in their properties. For example, hydroxocobalamin is better suited for individuals with slower B12 metabolism or certain genetic disorders that hinder the conversion of B12 into its active coenzyme forms. Intravenous hydroxocobalamin can address this issue because it binds more tightly to transport proteins, allowing more time for conversion within cells. Moreover, hydroxocobalamin is quicker to release its hydroxy group, making it more readily usable. Research shows that most B12 in the blood of healthy adults comes from hydroxocobalamin, comprising about 50% of total B12. Hydroxocobalamin is also a treatment for cyanide poisoning, utilizing its ability to rapidly exchange its hydroxy group with cyanide, forming non-toxic cyanocobalamin. Conversely, methylcobalamin is less tightly bound to transport proteins and is more quickly excreted through urine. While it’s an active coenzyme, the belief that it’s inherently superior lacks strong justification. Cyanocobalamin, though less popular, has the advantage of stability, making it ideal for long-term storage in supplements. Its stability compensates for its lesser reactivity compared to hydroxocobalamin. Now, let’s address why excessive B12 intake or high blood levels are associated with health risks. Excess B12 intake has been linked to an increased risk of esophageal cancer, with studies showing a 75% higher risk in those with the highest intake levels compared to the lowest. This risk is even more pronounced in non-drinkers, with nearly a threefold increase. While some hypothesized this risk was due to red meat (a common B12 source), studies have shown it’s not related to dietary sources but to B12 itself. Over-supplementation may disrupt DNA methylation processes, leading to cellular damage and long-term harm. Regarding blood B12 levels, studies consistently show a J-shaped curve for mortality, with optimal levels between 400 and 500 ng/ml. Levels above or below this range are linked to higher death rates due to insufficient or excessive B12’s effects on vital functions like DNA synthesis, nerve health, and red blood cell production. But why can high concentrations of vitamin B12 also be detrimental to health? There are several possible explanations. First, free vitamin B12 in the bloodstream is filtered out by the kidneys. If kidney function is impaired, vitamin B12 levels in the blood can become elevated. In other words, high B12 levels may reflect underlying kidney dysfunction. Similarly, when liver function declines, in cases of certain cancers, or in patients with blood-related diseases such as leukemia, the body tends to produce more transcobalamin proteins. These proteins have a strong affinity for vitamin B12, causing it to remain in the bloodstream for a longer time. Therefore, detecting high levels of vitamin B12 may actually indicate the presence of these underlying chronic conditions. Lastly, excess vitamin B12 is stored in the liver. However, in cases of liver disease where significant liver cell death occurs, the stored vitamin B12 is released from the damaged liver cells, leading to elevated levels in the bloodstream. To summarize, excessively high concentrations of vitamin B12 in the blood are often indicators of underlying liver disease, kidney disease, cancer, or blood disorders. These chronic illnesses inherently have a negative impact on survival rates. In today’s video, I’ve addressed the previously raised questions about vitamin B12, hoping to provide you with a deeper understanding of this essential vitamin. In clinical practice, for nutrients like vitamin B12 and vitamin D-where maintaining blood concentrations within a specific range is crucial-regular blood tests are important to ensure they stay at ideal levels. As for how much to supplement and for how long, this depends on your blood concentration levels. There isn’t a fixed dosage or duration. Regular monitoring of blood levels is the best way to ensure you’re getting the maximum benefits from nutritional supplements. That wraps up today’s video. Thank you all for watching, and I’ll see you in the next episode. Bye-bye!