Cobalamin has many roles in your body. It supports the normal function of your nerve cells and is needed for red blood cell formation and DNA synthesis.

For most adults, the recommended daily intake (RDI) is 2.4 mcg, though it’s higher for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding (1Trusted Source).

Cobalamin may benefit your body in impressive ways, such as by boosting your energy, improving your memory and helping prevent heart disease.

Here are  health benefits of cobalamin, all based on science.

Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in helping your body produce red blood cells.

Low vitamin B12 levels cause a reduction in red blood cell formation and prevent them from developing properly (2Trusted Source).

Healthy red blood cells are small and round, whereas they become larger and typically oval in cases of vitamin B12 deficiency.

Due to this larger and irregular shape, the red blood cells are unable to move from the bone marrow into the bloodstream at an appropriate rate, causing megaloblastic anemia (2Trusted Source).

When you’re anemic, your body doesn’t have enough red blood cells to transport oxygen to your vital organs. This can cause symptoms like fatigue and weakness.

B12 deficiency symptoms