Final answer:
The statement that Vitamin B-12 is primarily found in animal foods is true, as it is synthesized only by bacteria and stored in animal tissues. Humans require small amounts of Vitamin B-12 for crucial biological processes, and lack of it can lead to serious ailments like pernicious anemia and neurological problems.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that Vitamin B-12 is found primarily in animal foods is true. Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a crucial co-enzyme involved in various cellular processes, such as the methylation of homocysteine to methionine and the interconversion of glutamic acid and ß-methyl aspartic acid.
This vitamin is unique among all vitamins as it can only be synthesized by bacteria and is found naturally in animal products like liver, egg, meat, and fish due to the bacteria present in their gut.
Plants do not synthesize Vitamin B-12, making it vital for those following a vegan diet to seek alternative sources or supplements to meet the daily requirement of 5 µg/day.
A deficiency in Vitamin B-12 can lead to serious health issues, such as megaloblastic anemia, known as pernicious anemia, neurological issues, and infertility. Thus, ensuring adequate intake is essential for maintaining good health.