What is the chemical name for Vitamin B12?

Appeared in: RML Lucknow - 2021

Explanation

Cyanocobalamin is the synthetic, stable chemical form of Vitamin B12.
It is a water-soluble vitamin containing the mineral cobalt, which is essential for erythropoiesis (red blood cell formation), neurological function, and DNA synthesis.
Vitamin B12 is also known as the anti-pernicious anemia factor.
Deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia and irreversible neurological damage.

Option A: Retinol is the chemical name for Vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin.
Option C: Riboflavin is the chemical name for Vitamin B2, a water-soluble vitamin.
Option D: Ascorbic acid is the chemical name for Vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Chemical names of essential vitamins as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must know the chemical and common names of vitamins to administer supplements correctly, educate patients on dietary needs, and recognize signs of deficiency or toxicity.
A patient with pernicious anemia, an autoimmune condition preventing B12 absorption, requires lifelong Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin or hydroxocobalamin) injections. This is a critical nursing intervention.
What if? If a patient follows a strict vegan diet, the nurse should be vigilant in assessing for signs of Vitamin B12 deficiency (like fatigue, weakness, or neurological symptoms), as B12 is primarily found in animal products. The care plan would involve recommending fortified foods or supplements.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question testing foundational knowledge of nutrition and biochemistry.
First, identify the key terms in the question: 'chemical name' and 'Vitamin B12'.
Mentally access your knowledge about vitamins. The 'cobalamin' part of 'Cyanocobalamin' is a strong clue, referring to the cobalt atom in the vitamin's structure.
Systematically evaluate each option: Retinol is Vitamin A, Riboflavin is Vitamin B2, and Ascorbic acid is Vitamin C.
By eliminating the incorrect options, you can confirm that Cyanocobalamin is the correct chemical name for Vitamin B12.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Q1Y96cCe6e3KzFcOOKGsv0

E6 Biochemistry U Satyanarayana— Part 1 (pp 26-420 of 840) p. 140-142

E6 Textbook of Biochemistry for medical StudentsDM Vasudevan Part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-239 of 478) p. 146-148

E6 Pharmacology Nursing Lilley 11e Part 3 p. 205-207

Practise the full RML Lucknow - 2021

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.