Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin needed for normal cell activity. It is a part of a group of cobalt containing B complex vitamins, which are also known as cobalamins. Like other B vitamins, vitamin B12 is important for metabolism. It also helps in the formation of red blood cells and in maintaining the central nervous system.

 What Does in the Body?

Vitamin B12 benefits the human body in three major ways: production of red blood cells, formation of DNA and RNA, and maintaining the functional and structural mechanisms in the nervous system.

Vitamin B12 benefits normal and sufficient red blood cell formation, giving us enough energy and strength to perform the normal activities of daily living. Vitamin B12 benefits nervous system health by allowing for normal sensation and motion of our bodies, and the ability to process information correctly. Vitamin B12 benefits DNA and RNA replication which affects every function and every cell in our bodies.

Principal food sources of vitamin B12 are: Meat, poultry, milk, liver, tuna, cheese, yogurt and eggs.

Recommended Daily Intakes: men 2.4 mg, women 2.4 mg, pregnancy 2.6 mg, lactation 2.8 mg.

Symptoms Of Deficiency/Side Effects

Symptoms of B12 vitamin deficiency are easy bruising, dermatitis, loss of appetite, excessive tiredness, lack of breath, pale skin color, numbness, a sensation of pins and needles, a burning sensation in the feet and sometimes diarrhea and lowered resistance to infection. Other symptoms may include a smooth, sore tongue and disorders of menstrual cycle in women.