Vitamin B12 is vital for metabolism, formation of red blood cells, and protection of the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord.

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin. Water-soluble vitamins, such as Vitamin B12, dissolve in water. After the body utilizes these vitamins, the extra amounts leave the body through the urine. Vitamin B12, also known as cyanocobalamin, has a large role in the development of red blood cells. Without B12, synthesis of DNA becomes faulty, and so does the information needed for red blood cell development.

Vitamin B12 also plays a large role in the development of nerve cells. It helps maintain the sheaths around nerve cells, such as the myelin sheath. Presence of B12 in the body has been revealed to be successful in alleviating pain and other symptoms associated with a variety of nervous system disorders.

Vitamin B12 may treat or prevent the following health ailments: Alcoholism, Anemia, Arthritis, Asthma, Atherosclerosis, Cancer, Celiac Disease, Crohn's Disease, Dermatitis, Epstein - Barr virus, Fatigue, Leukemia, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, and Neuropathies/Neuromuscular degeneration.

Individuals who are Vitamin B12 deficient may experience symptoms such as anxiety, decreased blood clotting, numbness in feet, slow reflexes, paleness, depression, red tongue, difficulty swallowing, sore tongue, exhaustion, tingling in feet, heart palpitations, weakness, memory problems, weak pulse, and menstrual problems.

Vitamin B12 can only be found in animal sources, it is not present in plant sources. Excellent sources of Vitamin B12 include swiss cheese, cottage cheese, sirloin steak, tuna, sardines, chicken liver, pork roast, shrimp, scallops, and salmon.

The recommended daily value intake of Vitamin B12 is 6 micrograms per day. Vitamin B12 has a low risk for toxicity, even if taken in excess because it is a relatively non toxic substance. However, there are reported side effects that may be related to high doses of Vitamin B12, such as diarrhea, blood clots in legs, and the sensation of swelling over the entire body.

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