Also known as cobalamin, vitamin B12 is a part of the b vitamin family which helps to keep the body in good shape. Foods such as meat, eggs, fish and live have adequate levels of vitamin B12. Even though a small amount of B12 is required by the body it should be taken daily. Without the help of the intrinsic factor in the stomach vitamin B12 can't be taken in by the body. Even though it is possible to get too much of B12 in your daily consumption it won't cause any problems in your body since only half of it is absorbed by the body. Vitamin B12 can also be reused by the human body.

How Does Vitamin B12 Help the Body

There are four areas where vitamin B12 benefit's the human body:

1. Vitamin B12 is essential to helping the body convert carbohydrates, fats and proteins into energy.

2. Vitamin B12 can help prevent heart disease by helping to keep red blood cells healthy.

3. Vitamin B12 helps the white blood cells which as a result helps prevent disease through a healthy immune system.

4. Vitamin B12 is required to form a protective shield around nerve cells which is especially important in the brain. If there is an absence of B12 and this protective shield isn't maintained then brain malfunction can occur.

Anemia can result if a person doesn't have sufficient levels of vitamin B12 in their system. A lack of B12 causes a reduction in red blood cells which leads to anemia. Kids who are not fed properly will develop anemia. In addition, if a persons body doesn't have a sufficient intrinsic factor to help B12 be absorbed by the body then anemia can result.

If a person is a vegetarian then they should take B12 supplements. To help babies grow in the womb, pregnant women should also take extra B12 supplements. The intrinsic factor in the body is decreased in people over fifty years of age so they may have problems absorbing large amounts of B12. For this reason people over fifty should consider B12 supplements so that they can reduce their chances of developing anemia and other health problems.