Vitamin B12

What is Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, is a water soluble vitamin. It is one of the eight B vitamins. A common synthetic form of the vitamin, cyanocobalamin, does not occur in nature, but is used in many pharmaceuticals and supplements, and as a food additive, due to its stability and lower cost.

 

Function
Vitamin B12 has a key role in the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system, and for the formation of blood. It is normally involved in the metabolism of every cell of the body, especially affecting DNA synthesis and regulation, but also fatty acid synthesis and energy production.

 

Food Sources
Vitamin B12 is found in foods that come from animals, including fish, meat (especially liver and shellfish), poultry, eggs, milk, and milk products.
Eggs are often mentioned as a good B12 source, but they also contain a factor that blocks absorption.
While lacto-ovo vegetarians usually get enough B12 through consuming dairy products, vegans will lack B12 unless they consume multivitamin supplements or B12-fortified foods. Examples of fortified foods include fortified breakfast cereals, fortified soy products, and fortified energy bars.

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