Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that is required for red blood cell formation as well as cell division. Much of the vitamin B12 that people receive is from meat. Because of this, many vegans and vegetarians who do not consume meat or dairy products have been diagnosed with vitamin B12 deficiency.
You have most likely heard that vitamin B12 is often referred to as the "energy vitamin." The truth of the matter is that vitamin B12 doesn't necessarily give you energy, but it is a "key" that unlocks the potential for you having more energy.
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is necessary for maintaining nerve cells, red blood cells and producing DNA. Vitamin B12 is often used by the body in combination with other B vitamins as well.