Vitamin B-12 is part of the group of eight B vitamins. Vitamin B-12 can be found in food sources or ingested in supplement form, either by itself or as part of a multivitamin. The B-vitamin group is important for many body functions, among them aiding and boosting the immune system.
B-Vitamin Group
All B vitamins are water-soluble, which means that the body does not store them. Because of this, it is important to have a balanced diet or to take a good multivitamin to prevent deficiencies. All of the B vitamins help the body convert food into fuel, providing energy for body functions. They also help the body process fats and proteins and are important for maintaining healthy skin, hair, eyes and liver. They also help the nervous system function.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12 works with vitamins B-6 and B-9 to control the levels of the amino acid homocysteine in the body. Homocysteine has been strongly related to heart disease, although the relationship is still unclear. These three B vitamins also work together to boost the immune system, helping prevent infections such as colds. Vitamin B-12 deficiency is fairly common. The symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency include anemia, loss of balance, numbness or tingling in the arms and legs, and weakness.
Colds
Colds are a common illness that most people will suffer from at least once during their lifetime. There is currently no cure for the common cold, and treatment options include getting plenty of rest; drinking fluid; using cough drops, sprays or medications to relieve the symptoms; and gargling with warm salt water. Symptoms of a cold include sneezing, a sore throat, coughing and a stuffy nose.
Sources
Vitamin B-12 is most commonly found in animals sources and their related products. Vitamin B-12 can also be found in fortified soy food items such as tofu or soy milk. Good sources of vitamin B-12 include eggs, poultry, shellfish, dairy and milk products, and meat and organ meats. Vegetarians and vegans are more likely to have vitamin B-12 deficiency than meat eaters are, as animal sources of the vitamin are more easily absorbed by the body than plant sources of the vitamin. Vegetarians and vegans should consider taking a multivitamin or a vitamin B-12 supplement.
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