Vitamin B12 is important for growth, cell reproduction, blood formation, and protein and tissue synthesis.

Scientists know that B vitamins influence several important bodily functions. Vitamin B1 (thiamine) regulates enzymes that influence the functions of the muscles, nerves, and heart. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) influences the production of energy in cells and health of the skin and mucous membranes of the digestive and respiratory systems. Vitamin B3 (niacin) also has a role in production of energy in cells and in maintaining health of the skin, nervous system, and digestive system. Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) influences normal growth and development. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) has an effect on protein, carbohydrate, and fat metabolism, and on maintaining health of red blood cells, skin, the nervous system, and digestive system. Vitamin B7, H (biotin) helps break down protein, fatty acids, and carbohydrates. Vitamin B9 (folic acid) influences growth, reproduction, blood-cell production, and the nervous system. Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) plays a role in growth, development, the production of blood cells, the functions of the nervous system, and how the body uses folic acid and carbohydrates.