Vitamin B12

What is vitamin B12?

Updated 3 Nov 2026

Short answer

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is a water-soluble vitamin that contains the mineral cobalt. The body needs it to make red blood cells and DNA and for the nervous system.[1] It is found naturally only in animal foods, and it is added to some cereals and nutritional yeasts.[1] Supplements contain cyanocobalamin, methylcobalamin, adenosylcobalamin or hydroxocobalamin, and doctors also give it as injections.[1]

Sources (1)

  1. Vitamin B12: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. ods.od.nih.gov

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For education; not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before you start, stop or change a supplement.