Vitamin B-12 is part of the B-complex of vitamins. Water soluble, vitamin B-12 is found in some foods, such as meat proteins,.The active compounds are called methylcobalamin and 5-deoxyadenosylcobalamin. B-12 is necessary or the formation of red blood cells, nerve function, and fat and protein metabolism, according to National Institutes of Health. Good sources of vitamin B-12 include liver, clams and salmon.
Anemia
A deficiency of B-12 causes the disease pernicious anemia. This is a form of iron deficiency that leads to neurological disorders, according to NIH's Office of Dietary Supplements. B-12 helps form red blood cells, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, and helps the function of iron in the blood, both of which help reduce anemia.
Healthy Aging and Alzheimer's Disease
One of the symptoms of a B-12 deficiency is loss of balance and loss of memory. Correcting a B-12 deficiency helps alleviate these symptoms that come on with aging. The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University reports that many elderly who have Alzheimer's disease are deficient in vitamin B-12 and some dementia can be treated with this nutrient.
Disease Prevention
Vitamin B-12 has been shown to prevent a variety of diseases, reports the Pauling Institute. Over 80 trials support evidence that B-12 reduces the risk of heart disease. Studies have also shown B-12 to help prevent a variety of cancers, including breast cancer.
Depression
Vitamin B-12 has been shown to help depression, reports the Pauling Institute; 30 percent of individuals hospitalized for depression were found deficient in B-12. B-12 is an important nutrient in the cells of the nervous system, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, and this may contribute to recovery from depression.
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