Cyanocabalamin (Vitamin B12) The antipernicious anemia vitamin.  All vitamin B12  compounds contain the cobalt atom in its trivalent state.  There are at least three active forms: cyanocobalamin, hydroxocobalmin, nitrocobalamin.  Vitamin B12 is a component of a coenzyme which takes part in the shift of carboxyl groups within molecules.  As such it has an influence on nucleic acid synthesis, fat metabolism, conversion of carbohydrate to fat, and metabolism  of glycine, serine, methionine and chorine. Source:  (food) Liver, eggs, milk, meats and fish.  Commercial source:  Produced by microbial action on various nutrients (spent antibiotic liquors, sugar beet molasses, whey, also from sewage sludge). Properties:  Dark red crystals or red powder.  Very hygroscopic, odorless and tasteless.  Slightly soluble in water, soluble in alcohol, insoluble in acetone and ether. Grade:  USP, radioactive. Use:  Medicine (blood and nerve treatment), nutrition, animal feed supplements.