Vitamin B12 is a water soluble vitamin and forms an integral part of vitamin B complex group. Structurally this vitamin is most complex and has a biochemical element namely cobalt. The other name of vitamin B12 is Cobalamin. Even though it is a water soluble vitamin, it is not excreted immediately along with your urine. It is stored in kidney, liver and other tissues of the body.

Function: Vitamin B12 is vital for normal brain functioning. It helps to keep the nervous system in the best condition. B12 also works towards blood formation. This vitamin is involved in the metabolism of every cell. It affects DNA synthesis and energy generation.

Food Sources: People who rely on vegan diet find it hard to get the required amount of vitamin B12. It is mainly fond in non-vegetarian diet. Some of the rich sources of vitamin B12 are meat, eggs, cheese, milk, yogurt, fish, cereals, poultry etc. Deficiency of vitamin B12 may lead to chronic anemia. Some other problems that are there due to deficiency of vitamin B12 are fatigue, memory problems, depression etc. It is important to have a balanced healthy diet to get vitamin B12. But if you are a pure vegetarian and do not include any of the animal products like milk or yogurt in your diet then it is prudent to rely on vitamin B12 supplements.