Vitamin B12 complex is a water-soluble vitamin found naturally in meat, fish, shellfish, eggs and dairy products. Many pharmaceutical companies produce it as a supplement and food manufacturers enrich some processed foods with it. Vitamin B12 is necessary for several vital functions of the body.
Cell Maintenance
Vitamin B12 complex plays a role in red blood cell synthesis as well as DNA synthesis during cell division. DNA production and red blood cell synthesis are impeded when the body has a B12 deficiency. As a result, abnormal cells known as megaloblasts occur, resulting in anemia. Anemia symptoms include fatigue, paleness, breathlessness, and a seemingly poor resistance to infection. Patients may have a tongue that is sore and smooth and women may have menstrual disorders.
Nervous System Health
B12 complex also helps metabolize the fatty acids used to create an insulating fatty sheath around nerves known as myelin in the central nervous system. Nerve degeneration and damage can occur with prolonged B12 deficiency.
Deficiency is usually the result of the body's inability to absorb the vitamin rather than the result of an imbalanced diet. Certain people are unable to produce the chemicals needed to absorb B12 from the intestine. When this occurs, these people develop a type of anemia that can be rectified with B12 injections.
Reduced Stroke Risk
It is possible that vitamin B12 complex reduces elevated homocysteine levels, which are considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. According to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, a "Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation 2" trial studied over 5500 patients older than 54 with vascular disease or diabetes. The study results indicated that a daily treatment of folic acid, vitamin B5 and B12 for an average of five years reduced homocysteine levels and the risk of stroke.
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