Cobalamin or vitamin B12 belongs to the family of B-vitamin family. The water soluble B12 generally refers to cyanocobalamin (used to fortify foods in nutritional supplements). Just like other B Complex vitamins, B12 is needed to regulate cell activity. The term B12 refers to the confluence of cobalt-containing composites also known as corrinoids.

The people most prone to suffering from a vitamin B12 deficiency are vegans and individuals diagnosed with malabsorption or alcoholism. Since vegans do not consume foods with animal proteins, a B12 supplement is vital. The same applies to dieters who eliminate red meat, dairy products and poultry from their weight loss plan. Since alcoholism may lead to gastritis and severe damage in the intestinal lining, both ailments interfere with vitamin B12 absorption. High amounts of B12 are needed for individuals who have a malabsorption condition or a deficit of intrinsic factor.

Vital for the body’s metabolism, management of the central nervous system and production of red blood cells, vitamin B12 plays an important role in the body’s nutrition. The body’s metabolism includes the following variety of processes to produce and use energy: absorption, circulation, digestion, elimination, nutrition, respiration, and temperature control. Quite often, the body is deprived of B12 during the dieting process.

The common side effects or symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency include the following:

Abdominal pain
A loss of appetite
Burning of the tongue
Fatigue
Feebleness
Intermittent constipation
Menstrual symptoms
Psychological symptoms
Sporadic diarrhea
Tingling and numbness of feet and hands

Although, the body accumulates multiple years of vitamin B12, nutritional deficiency is uncommon. Dieters on a stringent diet of no dairy or animal proteins may require B12 supplements to keep their energy level up. As a result, Thermadrol, a weight loss supplement contains 600 mcgs of B12. The extra B12 offers optimized energy as well as food burning power.