B vitamins are used in the body individually or in combination withenzymes to help release energy from carbohydrates, fat, and protein.Vitamin B coenzymes are crucial to the metabolic pathways that generatethe energy needed by every cell in the body. Because they areco-dependent in their metabolic activities, a deficiency of one Bvitamin can affect optimal functioning of organ systems throughout thebody.

Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, works synergistically with the B vitaminfolate, to regenerate (methylate) the amino acid methionine, whichhelps to maintain healthy physiologic amounts of homocysteine.* Inaddition, vitamin B12:

• Is necessary for the formation and regeneration of red blood cells.*
• Promotes growth and increases appetite in children.*
• Increases energy.*
• Maintains a healthy nervous system.*

B12 deficiency is often the result of underproduction ofhydrochloric acid or intrinsic factor in the stomach, rather than adietary lack. Pernicious anemia is a B12 deficiency caused by atrophicgastritis and lack of intrinsic factor. Most B12 is derived from meatproducts, making vegetarians more susceptible to a dietary deficiency.

Because B12 converts folate to its active form, a physical ordietary deficiency of B12 can lead to anemia caused by folatedeficiency. Inactive folate, due to a B12 deficiency, will slow DNAsynthesis resulting in large immature red blood cells that areincapable of carrying oxygen or dividing. Supplementing with folatewhen vitamin B12 is needed however can result in severe neurologicalsymptoms.

Many elderly people report that B12 supplementation greatly improvestheir cognitive function. Published studies show that vitamin B12 insupplement form is absorbed better by elderly people than vitamin B12that is bound to food.

Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic and inexpensive form of vitamin B12that is easily converted in the body to its bioactive forms,methylcobalamin and cobamamide.