Vitamin B12...

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) is essential for the formation of red blood cells and normal nerve cell activity. This is because vitamin B12 helps maintain a substance called myelin, which covers and protects nerve cells the way that rubber covers and insulates electrical wire. Vitamin B12 also helps in the utilisation of iron, and is needed for proper digestion, absorption of foods, synthesis of protein and the breakdown and utilisation of carbohydrates and fats. With folic acid, vitamins B6 and B12 help to maintain healthy lower
levels of a blood amino acid called homocysteine, which is an
important factor in heart health.

Vitamin B12 is made by bacteria, which live in our digestive systems, and in the digestive systems of animals. Vitamin B12 is therefore found in nearly all animal products, such as liver, roast beef, white fish, yeast extract, milk, egg, and cheese.

The recommended daily allowance for vitamin B12 is 1 mcg daily. Because vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, any excess is excreted by the body making it safe to take at relatively high doses. A long-term intake of up to 500 mcg daily is not considered harmful.