what is vitamin b12 used for in the body
Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps keep the body's nerve and blood cells healthy and helps make DNA, the genetic material in all cells. Vitamin B12 also helps prevent a type of anemia called megaloblastic anemia that makes people tired and weak.Two steps are required for the body to absorb vitamin B12 from food.First, hydrochloric acid in the stomach separates vitamin B12 from the protein to which vitamin B12 is attached in food.After this, vitamin B12 combines with a protein made by the stomach called intrinsic factor and is absorbed by the body.Some people have pernicious anemia, a condition where they cannot make intrinsic factor.fter this, vitamin B12 combines with a protein made by the stomach called intrinsic factor and is absorbed by the body. Some people have pernicious anemia, a condition where they cannot make intrinsic factor.