Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for various bodily functions, including the production of red blood cells, DNA synthesis, and proper nerve function. It is one of the eight B vitamins and is crucial for maintaining a healthy nervous system and forming red blood cells.
A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to a condition known as megaloblastic anemia, which is characterized by the production of abnormally large red blood cells that cannot function properly. Symptoms of B12 deficiency may include fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss, and neurological changes such as numbness and tingling in the hands and feet.