Vitamin B12 also called Cyanocobalamin, is needed to prevent anemia. It aids folic acid in regulating the formation of red blood cells, and helps in the utilization of iron. This vitamin is also required for proper digestion, absorption of foods, the synthesis of protein, and the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. It aids in cell formation and cellular longevity. In addition, vitamin B12 prevents nerve damage, maintains fertility, and promotes normal growth and development by maintaining the fatty sheaths that cover and protect nerve endings. Vitamin B12 is linked to the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that assists memory and learning.

A vitamin Bi2 deficiency can be caused by malabsorption, which is most common in elderly people and in those with digestive disorders. Deficiency can cause abnormal gait, chronic fatigue, constipation, depression, digestive disorders, dizziness, drowsiness, enlargement of the liver, eye disorders, hallucinations, headaches, inflammation of the tongue, irritability, labored breathing, memory loss, moodiness, nervousness, neurological damage, palpitations, pernicious anemia, ringing in the ears, and spinal cord degeneration. Strict vegetarians must remember that they require vitamin B12 supplementation, as this vitamin is found almost exclusively in animal tissues. Although people adopting a strictly vegetarian diet may not see signs of the deficiency for some time, the body can store up to five years worth of vitamin B12-signs will eventually develop.

Experts agree that the essential nutrient Vitamin B-12 often increases energy and improves memory, appetite (when needed) and digestion. It is an absolute must for the maintenance of a healthy nervous system and is considered by many to play an important role as an anti-aging nutrient. Many of the functions of vitamin B-12, such as building blood cells, promoting DNA synthesis, naturally interfering with inflammation and strengthening the immune system are fundamental to a healthy body. Thousands of doctors have given Vitamin B-12 to help people cope with stress, depression and exhaustion to name only a few. A study actually demonstrated that Vitamin B-12 injections increased the sperm count in 27% of men participating with low levels.