Vitamin B12 is another of the water-soluble B-complex vitamins and one of the few essential substances in the human body that contains the trace element cobalt.
Human nutritional requirements for vitamin B12 are small; however it is estimated that a significant percentage of individuals, particularly vegetarians, may be deficient.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is also common in the elderly and can result in impaired nerve function, depressed mental acuity and the development of symptoms mimicking Alzheimer's disease. In fact, it is estimated that up to 42% of the elderly may be deficient in this important nutrient, which may also explain the prevalence of age-related depression in seniors. The likelihood of widespread sub-clinical deficiencies of vitamin B12 particularly in the elderly provides a strong argument for daily supplementation.
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