Vitamin B12

Source: University of Maryland Medical Center – 2006

Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, is one of eight water-soluble B vitamins. All B vitamins help the body to convert carbohydrates into glucose (sugar) which is “burned” to produce energy.

Heart Disease

Many studies indicate that patients with elevated levels of the amino acid homocysteine are roughly 1.7 times more likely to develop coronary artery disease and 2.5 times more likely to suffer from a stroke that those with normal levels. Homocysteine levels are strongly influenced by B complex vitamins, particularly folic acid, B6 and B12.

Healthy Nerves

Vitamin B12 is an especially important vitamin for maintaining healthy nerve cells and it aids in the production of DNA and RNA, the body’s genetic material. Vitamin B12 also works closely together with folic acid to regulate formation of red blood cells.

Anti-Stress

Similar to other B vitamins, Vitamin B 12 is considered an “anti-stress” vitamin because it is believed to enhance the activity of the immune system and improves the body’s ability to withstand stressful conditions.