The B complex group includes vitamin B12, or cobalamin, one of eight B vitamins. The body requires vitamin B12 for red blood cells production, DNA synthesis and maintenance of proper neurological functioning. Vitamin B12 works with other B vitamins to help the body convert carbohydrates, proteins and fats into energy that can be utilized by the body.
Daily Requirement
The daily recommended dietary intake of B12 is 2.4 mcg for adults and adolescents aged 14 years and older; 2.6 mcg for pregnant women; and 2.8 mcg for women who are breastfeeding, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Only animal foods -- such as beef liver, red meat, milk, dairy products, fish, eggs and shellfish -- contain vitamin B12 naturally. Some yeast products, fortified breads and cereals contain manufactured forms of B12. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, "If your daily meals includes milk and meat and other animal products, you should be able to meet the recommended daily requirements without taking vitamin B12 supplements."
Deficiency
The body absorbs vitamin B12 from foods with the help of intrinsic factor, a stomach protein. Lack of intrinsic factor causes vitamin B12 deficiency. Poor diets, vegan diets and stomach conditions such as malabsorption and stomach surgery also prevent B12 absorption, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. People at risk for B12 deficiency include strict vegetarians, elderly people, pregnant women, lactating mothers' breastfed infants and patients with chronic gastrointestinal diseases.
Deficiency Symptoms and Complications
Symptoms of B12 deficiency include weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, anemia, loss of appetite, soreness of the mouth, weight loss, muscle weakness, unsteady gait, difficulty maintaining balance, confusion, memory problems and depression, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Untreated B12 deficiency may result in permanent nerve damage, psychosis and severe dementia.
Administration
Vitamin B12 supplements treat B12 deficiency symptoms. A patient may take B12 supplements orally, intramuscularly or intranasally. Patients with B12 anemia or severe B12 deficiency symptoms require lifelong B12 treatments, generally by injection. An allergy to cobalamin, cobalt or any other ingredient in a vitamin B12 supplement contraindicates supplementation for the person with the allergy.
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