Vitamin B-12

Vitamin B-12 (Cobalamin) — Description

Vitamin B-12 is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in several essential body functions. It is part of the B-complex family of vitamins and is unique because it contains the mineral cobalt, which is why it’s also known as cobalamin.

Key Functions

• Red blood cell formation: Helps prevent megaloblastic anemia.
• Nervous system health: Essential for the maintenance of nerve cells and the production of myelin (the protective sheath around nerves).
• DNA synthesis: Required for making genetic material.
• Energy metabolism: Helps convert food into usable energy.

Sources

Vitamin B-12 is naturally found in:

• Animal products: meat, fish, poultry, eggs, milk, and cheese
• Fortified foods: certain plant milks, breakfast cereals, and nutritional yeast
• Supplements: tablets, sublingual forms, or injections (used when deficiencies are severe)

Absorption requires:

• Adequate stomach acid
• Intrinsic factor (a protein made in the stomach)
  Without intrinsic factor, one can develop pernicious anemia.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.