Cobalamin (vitamin B12) was discovered in the first half of the 20th century. Vast amount of information on the role of the vitamins in human health and disease became available. Cobalamin science was, however, based on theoretical concepts that have been accepted without further proof of facts and hypotheses. Recently, the breath-taking pace of development in research technologies has changed our understanding for the role of nutrients and the complex interaction between diet, environment and diseases. Conditions like aging, diet and drugs increase the risk of developing cobalamin deficiency, probably because of diminished ability to liberate, absorb or distribute the food-derived vitamin. From a basic science point of view, understanding of the transport and function of the vitamin, may pave the road for using this system for drug delivery.
This book represents up-to-date literature on the discoveries and developments in the field of cobalamin. It includes multifaceted aspects of the vitamin in health and disease conditions. The book has been written by leading scientists who have significant contributions in this field and represents therefore, a timely unique encyclopaedia on cobalamin.