Vitamin B 12

Vitamin B₁₂ is also called cobalamin because it contains the metal cobalt. This vitamin helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells and gives more energy.

Vitamin B₁₂ is bound to the protein in food. Hydrochloric acid in the stomach releases B₁₂ from proteins in foods during digestion.

Vitamin B₁₂ is naturally found in animal foods including fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and milk products. Fortified breakfast cereals are a particularly valuable source of vitamin B₁₂ for vegetarians.