Cyanocobalamin (B12)

Cyanocobalamin is needed to prevent anaemia. It aids folic acid (folate) in regulating the formation of red blood cells. It helps in the utilisation of iron, aids cell formation and the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, prevents nerve damage and promotes normal growth and development by maintaining the fatty sheaths that cover and protect nerve endings.

Vitamin B12 can often be lacking in the diets of vegetarians and over the longer term can lead to macrocytic anaemia. Useful for vegetarians, especially during pregnancy and lactation where requirements increase.

Deficiency results in pernicious anaemia with ineffective production of red blood cells, possible loss of the lining of the intestines and ineffective nerve sheath production.